Deacons' Training Weekend on Ceremony of Blessing of Water

The Ceremony of Blessing Water commemorates Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist.

September 26, 2012 

The Seminary will host a training workshop for deacons and altar servers on the weekend of November 2-4, 2012 focusing on the ceremony of the Blessing of Water. The ceremony is a beautiful and distinctive component of the Armenian Church's January 6 Christmas celebration.

The ceremony includes several striking hymns (sharagans) and theologically rich litanies that are to be chanted by the deacon. Led by V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Seminary Dean, participants in the Deacons' Training Workshop will learn these hymns and chants so that they will be able to assist in the celebration of the ceremony this Christmas.

The weekend program is open to all deacons and altar servers regardless of their prior experience. Due to space restrictions, enrollment will be limited to twelve on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the program, which includes tuition, room and board at the Seminary in New Rochelle, is $75.

The weekend will begin at 6PM on Friday and conclude at about 2PM on Sunday.

Rich in symbols, rituals and music, the ceremony commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus' baptism becomes the model of our own baptism, which ushers us into divine life with God the Father, and establishes us as God's very own children, with whom God is "well pleased." 

CLICK HERE to download a registration form.

CLICK HERE to download a flyer.