Epress.am News from Armenia
For the first time in 50 years, Armenian Catholics were given the opportunity to serve Pope Benedict XVI during the annual Christmas mass at the Vatican.
On the night of Dec. 24, along with the Pope, the rector, vice rector, deacons and all the seminarians of the Pontifical Armenian College (Collegio Armeno) in Rome conducted the liturgy.
Armenian Catholics celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 and Epiphany on Jan. 6 — the day when members of the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrate the birth of the Savior.
According to Blagovest Info, on Christmas eve, Catholics in Armenia held a mass which took place in the Cathedral of St. Gregory of Narek. On Dec. 26, on fast Sunday, a Christmas pageant took place after the morning service. Instead of actors, members of the clergy, church choir and congregation performed in the play. The colorful costumes were provided by the Armenian National Academic Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan.