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ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH · YOUTH & FAMILY GUIDE

Christ Is Born and Revealed

A reading, reflection, and church-event planning guide for the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Nativity and Theophany together on January 6. The Church’s Western Diocese describes the January 5 eve observance and the Feast day services. Church schedules and local practices can vary, so check with your own church.

PLACES OF ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC WORSHIP

Church life across the Armenian world

These photographs show three important Armenian Apostolic church centers. Each has its own history and community life; follow your local church for worship schedules and guidance.

The stone exterior and central dome of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia.
Mother Cathedral of Holy EtchmiadzinVagharshapat, Armenia · Mother SeePhoto by Armen888 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons source
Interior of Saint James Cathedral in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, with icons, lamps, and painted decoration.
Saint James CathedralJerusalem · Armenian PatriarchatePhoto by Claudius Prößer · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons source
The exterior and central dome of Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral in Antelias, Lebanon.
Saint Gregory the Illuminator CathedralAntelias, Lebanon · Holy See of CiliciaPhoto by Antipop4 · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons source

ONE FEAST · TWO SCRIPTURE SCENES

Read the stories separately, then connect them

The birth of Jesus and the baptism of Jesus are distinct events in the Gospel accounts. This guide keeps each reading clear while exploring why the Armenian Church celebrates the Nativity and Theophany together.

01 · THE NATIVITY

Good news in Bethlehem

Read: Luke 2:1–20

Find details about where Jesus is born, the message the shepherds hear, and what they do next.

Youth prompt: Retell the shepherds’ response using “first,” “next,” and “finally.” Which verse or detail helped you?

02 · THE THEOPHANY

Jesus is baptized

Read: Matthew 3:13–17

Notice where Jesus goes, who baptizes him, and what happens as he comes up from the water.

Youth prompt: Name two details from this scene. What do they help you understand about the event?

A SHORT FAMILY ACTIVITY

Two scenes, one feast

Make two columns on paper: “Bethlehem” and “The Jordan.” After reading both passages, write or draw details from each story in the matching column. Then discuss:

  1. What happens in each passage?
  2. Which people, places, and details belong to each scene?
  3. What does your family want to remember about this feast?

Sentence starter: “In Luke’s account… In Matthew’s account… The detail I want to remember is…”

BEFORE A CHURCH EVENT

Plan with your local church

Use this checklist as a family reminder. Confirm service times, customs, and participation details directly with your church.