Celebration Of The Divine Liturgy On The Feasts Of Ghevontiants And Vartanants

St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral, the spiritual center of the Western Diocese was filled with devotion and reverence on February 25, 2025, as the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feasts of Ghevontiants and Vartanants. At the invitation of the Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan, Pastor of Holy Resurrection Armenian Church in Seattle. The faithful joined the reverend clergy of the Western Diocese to honor the memory of the heroic Ghevontiants priests and the Vartanants warriors, who courageously defended the Armenian Christian faith in the fifth century. The liturgical service, enriched with hymns and prayers, reflected the deep spiritual significance of these feasts in the life of the Armenian nation.

In his homily, Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Armenian people to their Christian faith, drawing inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of St. Ghevont and the clergy who stood alongside Vartan Mamigonian. He reminded the faithful that, just as their ancestors remained steadfast in the face of persecution, modern-day Armenians must continue to seek Christ’s grace and wisdom, especially during times of uncertainty and despair. The priest’s message resonated deeply with the faithful, serving as a reminder that faith is both a shield and a source of strength in the face of adversity.

The Feasts of Ghevontiants and Vartanants hold profound historical and spiritual significance for Armenians worldwide. The Ghevontiants priests, led by St. Ghevont Yerets, were instrumental in inspiring the Armenian forces before the historic Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD, where Vartan Mamigonian and his warriors valiantly defended their faith against Persian oppression. Their sacrifice ensured the preservation of Christianity as the cornerstone of Armenian identity. The Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Ghevontiants Cathedral served not only as a commemoration of these holy martyrs but also as a reaffirmation of the enduring faith and unity of the Armenian people.