ADVENT DAY 25: Armenian Christmas+ (Theophany)

As the Church Potluck Advent Calendar draws near its conclusion, Dale is joined once again by Dr. Michael Papazian for a fascinating exploration of a tradition deeply rooted in his own faith: the Armenian Blessing of the Water, celebrated on January 6 as part of Theophany. In the Armenian Apostolic Church, Christmas, the baptism of Jesus, and the visit of the Magi are woven together into a single, profound celebration of God’s self-revelation to the world. Dr. Papazian explains how this ancient service centers on the blessing of water with a cross and holy oil—oil believed to carry a living continuity stretching back through the apostles, to Christ, and even to Moses himself. Parishioners take this blessed water home as a sign of shared faith, communal identity, and sacred continuity across centuries. This conversation offers listeners a fresh way to think about Epiphany—not as a single moment, but as an ongoing series of divine revelations—inviting Christians of every tradition to see Christ’s presence woven throughout time, ritual, and daily life.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.