The celebration of Christmas is a cherished tradition in many parts of the world, and Armenia, with its deep Christian roots, is no exception. However, the timing, specific customs, and even the traditional greetings surrounding Armenian Christmas might differ from what many are familiar with, especially considering the different Christian denominations within the Armenian community.
When do Armenians celebrate Christmas (Armenian Apostolic Church)?
The most significant date for Christmas celebrations for the majority of Armenians, particularly those adhering to the Armenian Apostolic Church, is January 6th. This date is not only for the Nativity of Christ (birth) but also commemorates the Theophany (Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River) and sometimes the visit of the Magi.
The Armenian Apostolic Church (formally, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church – Հայ Առաքելական Սուրբ Եկեղեցի) is one of the most ancient Christian communities globally. It is an Oriental Orthodox church, meaning it is part of a communion of churches (including Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Malankara Syrian Orthodox Churches) that diverged from others after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD due to Christological definitions. This gives it a distinct theological path from both the Eastern (Byzantine/Greek/Russian) Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. It is autocephalous (self-governing), with the Catholicos of All Armenians, based in Etchmiadzin, as its spiritual head.
Why is Armenian Apostolic Christmas on January 6th and not December 25th?
Historically, the early Christian Church celebrated Christ’s birth and baptism together on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany or Theophany. In the 4th century, many Western churches moved the celebration of the Nativity to December 25th, partly to coincide with or replace existing pagan winter solstice festivals.
The Armenian Apostolic Church, due to its ancient lineage and distinct traditions, maintained the original practice of celebrating the Nativity and Theophany of Christ together on January 6th.
Do Armenian Catholics celebrate Christmas on January 6th or December 25th?
A notable minority of Armenians are members of the Armenian Catholic Church. This is an Eastern Catholic Church sui iuris (of its own rite) that is in full communion with the Pope and the worldwide Catholic Church. While they maintain many distinct Armenian liturgical traditions, rites, and cultural expressions similar to the Apostolic Church, their allegiance is to Rome.
Regarding Christmas, Armenian Catholics generally celebrate the Nativity of Christ on December 25th, following the Gregorian calendar used by the majority of the Catholic Church worldwide. However, they often also acknowledge and respect the January 6th traditions, particularly Theophany, which holds significance in Eastern Christian traditions.
(Optional: A small note on Protestants can remain here) Besides the Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic churches, there are also smaller communities of various Protestant denominations (Evangelical, Baptist, etc.) in Armenia and the diaspora, whose Christmas celebration dates might align with either December 25th or, less commonly for these groups, January 6th depending on their specific affiliations.
How do you say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Armenian?
The traditional and most significant greeting for Armenian Christmas on January 6th reflects the dual celebration of Christ’s Nativity and Theophany (revelation/baptism). Instead of a direct translation of “Merry Christmas,” Armenians greet each other with:
“Քրիստոս ծնավ և հայտնեցավ!” (Qristos tsnav yev haytnetsav!) This translates to: “Christ is born and revealed!”
The customary response to this greeting is: “Օրհնյալ է հայտնությունը Քրիստոսի!” (Pronounced: Orhnyal eh haydnootyoone Qristosi!) This translates to: “Blessed is the revelation of Christ!”
While you might hear “Շնորհավոր Սուրբ Ծնունդ” (Shnorhavor Surb Tsnund), meaning “Happy Holy Birth/Nativity,” especially around December 25th or in broader contexts, the “Christ is born and revealed!” greeting is deeply traditional for the January 6th observance by the Armenian Apostolic Church.
What are some common Armenian Christmas traditions (Jan 6th)?
Armenian Christmas traditions, particularly for the January 6th observance, are rich with religious significance and family customs:
- Church Services: Attending the Divine Liturgy (Soorp Badarak) on January 6th is central. A special “Blessing of Water” (Jurorhnek) ceremony often takes place, commemorating Christ’s baptism, where blessed water is distributed to the faithful.
- Festive Meals: Families gather for a special Christmas Eve dinner (on January 5th, known as Khtum) and Christmas Day meals. Traditional dishes often include fish (symbolizing Christianity and Christ’s baptism), rice pilaf with raisins (chamichov plav), various greens (spinach, sorrel), nevik (a dish of greens and grains), and sometimes ghapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, dried fruits, and nuts). A wheat-based porridge called harissa might also be served, though it’s also prominent on other feast days.
- Home Blessings: Some families invite priests to bless their homes with incense and holy water during the Christmas season.
- The traditional greeting as mentioned above (“Christ is born and revealed!”).
Is Christmas a public holiday in Armenia?
Yes, January 6th (Christmas and Theophany for the Apostolic Church) is an official public holiday in the Republic of Armenia. This allows the population to participate fully in religious services and family celebrations. In fact, the period from New Year’s Day (January 1st) through Christmas (January 6th) is generally a non-working holiday period for many in Armenia, often referred to as “New Year and Christmas holidays.”
Armenian Christmas Dates for Upcoming Years
For those planning ahead or curious about future observances, here are the dates for Armenian Christmas (Nativity and Theophany as celebrated by the Armenian Apostolic Church) for the next few years:
When was Armenian Christmas (Apostolic) in 2025?
Armenian Apostolic Christmas in 2025 was celebrated on Monday, January 6, 2025.
When is Armenian Christmas (Apostolic) in 2026?
In 2026, Armenian Apostolic Christmas will be observed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
When will Armenian Christmas (Apostolic) be in 2027?
Looking ahead, Armenian Apostolic Christmas in 2027 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
It’s important to remember that while the date is fixed, the day of the week changes each year.
How is New Year’s celebrated in relation to Armenian Christmas?
New Year’s Day (January 1st) is a very significant and widely celebrated holiday in Armenia, arguably more so in terms of secular festivities, large family gatherings, and gift-giving than January 6th for many families. New Year’s celebrations often include:
- Decorated New Year’s trees (Navavar Dzar or Donadzar), similar to Christmas trees in Western traditions.
- Visits from Dzmer Papik (Ձմեռ Պապիկ - Winter Grandfather), the Armenian equivalent of Santa Claus or Father Frost, who brings gifts to children, typically on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
- Elaborate family feasts (supra) that often extend late into the night of December 31st and continue on January 1st.
- Extensive gift-exchanging among family and friends.
While January 6th holds deep religious importance as the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ, many of the festive customs associated with large celebrations, decorations, and widespread gift-giving are more strongly tied to the New Year’s celebrations in modern Armenian tradition. The entire first week of January is often a holiday period, bridging these two important celebrations.