Liturgy of the Covenant on the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Today the Armenian Church celebrates the birthday of St. John the Baptist. A festive Liturgy was served in the churches named after the saint in the Artsakh Diocese.

This day is considered the votive day of the church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Norshen, where, under the leadership of the Primate of the Diocese, the Holy Liturgy was served by the Reverend Father Hovhannes Hovhannisyan.

The Liturgy was attended by the local spiritual pastor, Reverend Father Serovbe Patvakanyan, as well as other clergy of the Diocese. The Liturgy was attended by believing residents of the village, pilgrims from different settlements of Artsakh, as well as Sunday school students. The preacher of the Liturgy was the Reverend Father Mesrop Mkrtchyan, former spiritual pastor of the church of St. John the Baptist in Shushi.

«Among all births in the world, the birth of St. John the Baptist is unique, and it is no coincidence that the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist immediately after the birth of Jesus Christ. There are some common features between the birth, life of John the Baptist and the current situation of the people of Artsakh: they have undergone many difficulties in their lives, but just as John the Baptist was a child of the covenant, so our people are the people of the covenant. We are also chosen by God as the Lord's people and the Lord's heritage.:

Since the restoration of 2011, the day of this holiday has also been considered the vow day of the church of St. John the Baptist in Shushi, and every year we gathered there to celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist,” said the Reverend Father Mesrop Mkrtchyan in his sermon.

At the end of the Liturgy, a sacrifice was brought and distributed among the people.