“THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, VARTAVAR, IS DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN THE CENTURIES-OLD ROOTS OF THE ARMENIAN NATION”
H.E. ARCHBISHOP KEGHAM KHACHERIAN
On Sunday, July 7, 2024, the Western Prelacy of the United States celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ in all its churches. This significant event was marked with the attendance of devoted parishioners and members of the community, who took part in the celebration and Divine Liturgy from the altars of the Western Prelacy churches.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered his sermon at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale. Present at the Divine Liturgy were Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, Vice-Chair of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, faithful parishioners, and members of the community.
Rev. Fr. Ardag Demirjian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian, deacons, scribes, and the church choir served at the altar. Prior to H.E. Archbishop Khacherian’s sermon, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, addressed the parishioners, informing them that following the Divine Liturgy there would be a procession during which blessed rose water would be sprinkled on the parishioners in attendance to bestow divine blessings upon them.
H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian began his sermon by quoting Peter the Apostle’s words, “Lord, it is good for us to be here,” and further elaborated, “Today, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates a significant event in the earthly life of Jesus Christ – the Feast of Transfiguration. This important event took place when Jesus Christ, together with his three disciples, went to Mount Tabor, where Jesus Christ revealed his Divine glory to his disciples so they could see, hear, and witness his Divine glory, strengthen their faith, and prepare them not to lose hope during the challenges ahead, particularly during the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. By witnessing his Divine glory, the disciples were to embrace the power of God and serve as witnesses to the fulfillment of prophecies, ultimately bearing witness to the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Following a thorough explanation of the significance behind the Feast of Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and its prophetic importance, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian delved into the topic of the Armenian pagan celebration known as “Vardavar.” H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that this celebration is more than just a pagan water game, asserting that under the direction of our spiritual leaders “Vardavar” fosters a connection to our cultural heritage and our roots. The Prelate shared that over time the celebration of “Vardavar” has evolved from its pagan origins and has been integrated and is now part of our national and Christian traditions.
After the Holy Communion, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian presided over a procession through St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, sprinkling the parishioners with rose water as a form of purification. The faithful parishioners graciously received the rose water, seeking Divine blessings and grace from heaven.
