"Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son–and his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means God with us) (Matthew 1:23)"
Today–is the glorious feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany; the joy of great tidings of salvation. Today–centuries later–we once again hear this beautiful message–in our hearts.
The expected Messiah of humanity is born and revealed in the humble manger of Bethlehem. Through the power of the Holy Spirit–Virgin Mary became the gracious Holy Mother of our Lord. The kingdom of the newly incarnate King is heavenly and eternal. The angels heralded the good news saying–"Glory to God–and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased (Luke 2:14)."
The only Begotten Son of God came to this world to reveal the immense love and compassion of God; once again opening the path of salvation.
Under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II–Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenian–and with the participation of Religious Leaders of the Sister Churches and with the attendance of a great number of Clergymen and pilgrims–in September of 2001–the organized spiritual and national official activities of the 1700th Anniversary; the Blessing of Holy Muron (Chrism)–the Consecration of Bishops–the historic visit of Religious Leaders of Sister Churches to Holy Etchmiadzin–were days of spiritual renewal and strengthening of faith for all Armenia’s throughout the world. The Armenian Apostolic Church continues its dedicated mission with a new spirit and strong determination.
On the occasion of the New Year and the Holy Nativity–we congratulate His Holiness Karekin II–Catholicos of All Armenia’s whole-heartedly–and wish him good health and longevity. We congratulate the Honorable Robert Kocharian–President of the Republic of Armenia; Honorable Arkady Ghoukassian–President of Karabakh; the leaders of the Governmen’s of Armenia and Karabakh and our entire compatriots. We also wish that the life giving graces of the newly born Savior be bestowed abundantly upon the United States of America and upon the Honorable President George W. Bush and his family.
We send our fatherly greetings of love and blessings to the Clergy of the Western Diocese–Diocesan and Parish organizations and to our entire faithful.
With the spirit of the Holy Nativity and with spiritual joy let us greet on another–saying–"Great Tiding to us all,"
"Christ is born and revealed–blessed is the revelation of Christ."
With Fatherly Blessings,
Archbishop Vatche Hovespian–Primate