The Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) of Jesus Christ on January 6.
In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the "Blessing of Water" ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy during Christmas services.
As part of the service, a Godfather is designated for the Cross which is dipped in water.
This year, the Godfather was Peter Crane, a junior at Michigan State University and son of Mr and Mrs Mike Crane.
As the ceremony has its religious meaning, Peter&rsquos participation had an uplifting meaning to him and his family. This participation ,as well as ongoing community prayers and support, has been meaningful and appreciated by the Crane family.
The mystery of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan is remembered in the ceremony of the Churorhnek, or this "Blessing of Water"ceremony.
In ancient times, this ceremony was celebrated by the riverside or sea shore, but, for various reasons, it was later confined to the interior of the churches.
During the ceremony, the cross is dipped in water, recalling Christ's immersion in the Jordan River. Blessed oil, or Holy Chrism (Muron), is poured into the water from a dove-shaped container, symbolizing the appearance at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father proclaiming to all that Jesus is His Son.
