On the evening of February 1, 2026, at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Catholic Cathedral in Gyumri, the Evening Service for the Eve of the Feast of Presentation of the Lord and the ceremony of Blessing of the Four Corners of the World around a bonfire took place. The service was presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Nerses Galstyan and the pastors of the communities. Around 15 couples from various communities in Armenia, who were married during the past year, participated.

Following the service, the blessing of candles took place, after which the couples renewed their marriage vows before God, pledging to remain faithful to one another and to the union of their Holy Matrimony throughout their lives. After the renewal of vows, they offered a joint prayer to God, asking for divine supernatural graces for their marital love, fidelity, to be Christ-like, and to recognize Christ’s presence in one another, as well as for the intentions of His Excellency and the Armenian Catholic Church. Following the prayers, they exited the cathedral with lighted candles, and the lighting of the bonfire, symbolizing the Light of Christ, was performed alongside Scriptural readings. This was followed by the beautiful service of the blessing of the four corners of the world.

After the prayer services, everyone gathered in the hall beneath the cathedral for a conversation over coffee, hosted by Rev. Fr. Nerses Galstyan. The Ordinary Archbishop addressed the spiritual guidance and support for married couples, emphasizing the need to further develop this within the communities. Not all married couples and families maintain a living connection with their pastors, whereas frequent communication with them can assist in resolving issues and disputes that arise in family and marital relationships, thereby building strong Christian families.

It is also important for couples living in different communities to communicate with one another and not remain isolated; this can serve as a good opportunity for mutual assistance and the strengthening of church communion. Family support is a vast field within pastoral theology, and much needs to be undertaken in practice. The Archbishop mentioned that he was planning to bring a more organized structure to the pastoral accompaniment of families in the near future.

Fr. Hovsep Galstyan

Chancellery of the Ordinariate

February 2, 2026