Home    Library    Multimedia    Calendar    Projects    
հայերեն  русский    
CHURCH CALENDAR
INTRODUCTORY ARTICLES
BIBLE READINGS
LITURGY OF HOURS
CHURCH CALENDAR / CHURCH CALENDAR
12 August 2017y. Saturday
Feast of Dedication of Holy Etchmiadzin, According to the Vision of St. Gregory the Illuminator

NAVAKATIQ (EVE)
The term Navakatiq is used by Armenian Church in relation to the eves of main feast days. Traditionally on these eves the Church conducts the rite of Blessing of Foundation on new or renovated church buildings, or on the occasion of their anniversaries. This practice has important theological meaning - the eves of feasts which have significant meaning in Christ’s divine economy also represent the blessing and renewal of God’s living temple – the human nature.
Fasts, which precede the main feasts, are relaxed on the days of Navakatiq and consumption of dairy and fish products is permitted. Navakatiqs of three of five main feasts – Transfiguration of Christ, Dormition of the Holy Theotokos and Exaltation of the Cross are also considered feasts – eve of Transfiguration is dedicated to The Ark of the Covenant, eve of Dormition of Theotokos is dedicated to the consecration of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiatsin, and finally the eve of the Exaltation of the Cross is dedicated to the renovation of the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The eves of Epiphany and Easter are marked by ceremonial evening service, which includes service of the hours followed by Divine Liturgy, which concludes with the rite of lighting of lanterns. On both these eves Armenian families traditionally throw a feast.

 
sacredtradition.am