EASTER IN ARMENIA
17 – 25 April 2011
The Armenian Church celebrates the Easter Feast on the first Sunday following the full moon of the vernal equinox, with 35 days move ability, during the period from March 21 –April 26.
The Armenian Church traditionally celebrates evening Divine Liturgy on the evening prior to Jesus Christ’s Glorious Resurrection (Easter). Following the conclusion of the Liturgy, the assembled faithful take lit candles home, symbolizing the Light that Christ brought into the world. The Divine Liturgy celebrated on the eve is the start of the festive ceremonies.
On the day of the Easter feast people dye eggs red as a symbol of fruitful life, salvation and joy. St. Gregory of Tatev (medieval Armenian theologies) considers the egg to be the symbol of the world, the shell of which is the sky, the membrane is the air, the white is the water and the yolk is the earth. Dyeing eggs red symbolizes the salvation of the world by means of Blood of Christ.
17. Apr./ Sun. Arrival
Arrival in Zvartnots airport. Meeting and transfer to the hotel, early check in, short rest. Breakfast at the hotel.
18. Apr. / Mon.: Holy Monday
Garni - Geghard – Matenadaran
After breakfast at the hotel visit to the depositary of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. There is also the first copy of the Bible in Armenian and the Gospels that fascinate with their beautiful miniatures. Departure to Garni Temple of 1st cen. A.C. is the last pagan temple not only in Armenia but in whole Caucasus. Lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. Northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat river, there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a rock. Return back. Welcome dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
The Gospel readings tell us about the story of the “cursed fig tree.” On his way back to Jerusalem Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree by the side of the road and went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. So He said to the tree, “You will never again bear fruit!” At once the fig tree dried up. The disciples saw this and were astounded. “How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?” they asked. Jesus answered, “If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Mt 21:22).
19.Apr./ Tue.: Holy Tuesday
Yerevan / City Tour
City tour around Yerevan. The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC. A little part of Yerevan having 3,000-year history has survived. During your tour you will see the Republic Square which is designed in the traditional Armenian architectural style and includes the Government House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Post Office, the National Art Gallery. You will also see Opera house, Victory Park with the statue of Mother Armenia, the Sports and Concert complex, Kievyan Bridge, Baghramyan Avenue, the Presidential Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Writers Union, and the fruit market. Lunch in a local restaurant. Visit Museum dedicated to the victims of Genocide and Armenian History Museum and to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Park and Museum. This is the 96th anniversary of Armenian Genocide. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
“The Parable of the Ten Virgins” is commemorated (Mt 25:1-13). This parable from the Gospel, tells the story about the five foolish and the five wise virgins. The message exhorts us to be vigilant and prepared for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
20. Apr. / Wed.Holy Wednesday
Khor Virap / Areni / Areni / Noravank / Yerevan
Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery 4-17th cc. 45 km. from Yerevan, the monastery of Khor-Virap has a very rich history, both religious and secular. It is situated in the Ararat valley against the biblical Ararat Mountain, were Noah's arch cast anchor. The importance of it is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia and is considered to be the first Armenian Catholicos. Here you will also have an opportunity to take a lit candle from the pit like His holiness Paul II did in his visit to Khor Virap. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - a great religious and cultural centre of 12th c. On the way visit Areni wine factory to taste local wine made from special sorts of vines. Lunch in a local cave café. Drive back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Holy Wednesday anointing of Jesus Christ by a woman in Bethany and the Betrayal of Christ are commemorated.
21. Apr. / Thur.Holy Thursday
Yerevan / Sevan / Dilijan / Goshavank / Noraduz / Yerevan
Sight seeing tour to the forested region of Dilijan, where you can walk through a museum street, with the buildings preserved from 19 c. with the ceramics workshop and woodcarvers’ studio. Visit of Gohsavank complex situated in the woodlands of Dilijan that represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in 11-13 th centuries. Drive to Sevan. This huge mountain lake which takes up to 5% of Armenia's surface area is about 2,000 meters above sea level and is the second highest freshwater lake in the world. The monastery peninsula is the most popular spot, and is the closest place to visit as well. Participate at the Service of the Washing of the Feet is conducted. Christ, displaying true humility and humbleness, washed the feet of his disciples after the last Supper. Drive back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Holy Thursday is dedicated to the Last Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ and symbolizes the establishment of the Sacrament of Communion. In the morning, Divine Liturgy is celebrated in our churches.
22 Apr. / Fr. Good Friday
Yerevan / Hagpat / Sanahin / Yerevan
Start tour to the architectural complexes of Sanahin (966 AD) and Haghpat (976 AD) which are among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and are inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. The architectural details and decoration of the monuments, which belong to the same epoch, have much in common and are even exactly alike in some cases, which give us ground to presume that they were created by craftsmen of the same school. Drive back to Yerevan and visit the biggest pan-Armenian church St. Gregory the Illuminator. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Good Friday,is the day of commemoration of Christ’s tortures, Crucifixion, Death and Burial. The Service of the Crucifixion is conducted, following which, the Service of His Burial is held. It is during the Burial service that the symbolic Tomb of Christ, decorated with flowers and candles, is processed around the Church for the faithful to witness and participate.
23. Apr. / Sat. Holy Saturday, Eve of Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ or the Easter Feast, Candlelight Divine Liturgy
Yerevan / Echmiadzin / Zvartnots / Vernissage
Departure to Echmiadzin which is mere 20 km from Yerevan. It is known as the center of the Armenian - Gregorian Church and appears to be one of the world's first Christian churches. Return to Yerevan with stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th c. architecture. Lunch in a national restaurant in Yerevan city. Visit open air market Vernissage that bustles with hundreds of vendors selling a variety of crafts on weekends. The market offers woodcarving, antiques, fine lace, and the hand-knotted wool carpets and kilims that are a Caucasus specialty. Visit St. Gregory Illuminator church for Candlelight Divine Liturgy. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
On Holy Saturday, Christ’s destruction of hell and His liberation of righteous souls are commemorated. The feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ or the Easter Feast starts on the eve and is continued after the midnight. On the eve a solemn Candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated and a solemn Divine Liturgy is celebrated. Following the conclusion of the Liturgy, the assembled faithful welcome each other on the occasion of the Glorious Resurrection of Christ conveying the great tiding: “Christ is Risen from the dead” and receive the answer: “Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ” and take lit candles home, symbolizing the Light that Christ brought into the world.
24. Apr./ Sun. Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Yerevan / Ashtarak/ Sagmosavank / Proshyan / Yerevan
Start tour to Ashtarak – one of the most ancient Armenian cities, to visit the church of Karmravour. It’s one of the smallest pan-Armenian churches but in spite of its size you can still feel authentic Christianity. It’s also one of those rare churches where some traces of frescos are still seen. Continue to Saghmossavank medieval monastery, situated in the breathtaking site, at the deep canyon of Ashtarak. Sgmossamvank is translated as “monastery of psalms”. According to the tradition when the first church of the monastery was built the priests kept reading psalms 40 days long so the monastery was called monastery of psalms. Lunch in a local house tasting homemade dishes. Participate at Easter celebration performance. Drive back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
One week before the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of Palm Sunday, celebrating the Triumphant Entry of Christ into Jerusalem.
On Palm Sunday, churches are decorated with branches from willow trees and palm trees. Following a solemn morning service, the blessed branches are distributed to the faithful.
The Gospel readings tell us about the story of the “cursed fig tree.” On his way back to Jerusalem Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree by the side of the road and went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. So He said to the tree, “You will never again bear fruit!” At once the fig tree dried up. The disciples saw this and were astounded. “How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?” they asked. Jesus answered, “If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Mt 21:22).
25. Apr. / Mon. Departure Transfer to the airport. Departure
