LUCERNARIUM
id320Lucernarium (Tchrakaluyts in Armenian) is the ceremony conducted on the eves of Theophany and Easter. The name originates from Armenian “tchrak lucanel” meaning “to light lanterns” because numerous lanterns are lit during Divine Liturgy on the eves of these feast days and many faithful hold candles in their hands. Following Holy Mass, the faithful take the lit candles home as blessing.
Eve of the Holy Nativity
Etchmiatsin Cathedral, Jan. 5, 2006.
Photo by Tatevik Melkonyan.
The light of the candles and lamps represents the shining among us of spiritual light which Christ gave through His Divine Economies.
