On July 27, the Armenian Apostolic Church solemnly marked the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, with Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See, serving as the celebrant.
Attending the celebration were diocesan leaders from Armenia and the diaspora, members of the clergy, benefactors, and pilgrims—many of whom had also gathered for the inauguration of the Mausoleum of the Catholicoi and the newly built Candle-Lighting Chapel.
In his homily, Archbishop Arshak reflected on the profound spiritual meaning of the Transfiguration, describing it as a divine moment of empowerment and inner transformation. He emphasized that in a world shadowed by fear, division, and hostility, Christians are called to seek personal renewal through prayer, stillness, and a clear conscience.
He cautioned that without prayerful introspection, freedom risks becoming a burden, and stressed the need for national unity and reconciliation grounded in faith. Calling on the faithful to reject despair and rise in spirit, he invoked the light of Christ as a source of hope, salvation, and spiritual renewal.
Archbishop Arshak concluded by offering prayers for peace in the Armenian homeland, the strength and stability of the Armenian state, and the enduring presence of the Armenian Church, steadfastly rooted in the Holy See of Etchmiadzin.
