January 26-30 is the Lent of the Elders

This year, January 26-30, according to the calendar of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, is the Fast of the First-Called.

It was established by the Father of our faith, St. Gregory the Illuminator, who, having left Khor Virap, preached the Holy Gospel for 65 days, and the last 5 days he appointed a fast for the entire nation.

Therefore, this fast is specific only to the Armenian Church, is one of its independent customs and is considered the first national fast of the Armenians. Our ancestors kept this fast very strictly, constantly praying and taking only bread, salt and water as food, and have passed it on to us from the depths of the centuries.

The Diocese of Aragatsotn, emphasizing the importance of fasting and repentance, urges its children to go through this national process without interruption, for the healing of the body, mind and soul of the Armenian nation, and invites everyone to begin fasting in a special way, which is called the “Rule of the Night Hour Prayer, to be performed over the seriously ill, for the healing of pains and for the atonement of sins.”

It will be held on January 25, at the Holy Marian Church in Ashtarak, at 7:00 PM.