THE FAST OF CATECHUMENS
Holy Trinity Armenian Church
The Fast of Catechumens (or Arachavorats Bahk) is peculiar only to the Armenian Church. It begins three weeks before Great Lent. In ancient times people could eat only bread and salt during the Fast of Catechumens. On those days it was not allowed to celebrate the Divine Liturgy either.
The meaning of the Fast of Catechumens is the purification of the five human senses from pagan impurity. In the ancient Church there was a custom to fast during five days before baptism. St Gregory the Illuminator ordered King Tiridates and others to fast for five days before baptism in order to get freed of evil. This is the reason that the Fast of Catechumens is also called “Fast of Salvation” from evil.
Join us on Sunday, January 25, 2026 for the mesmerizing Divine Liturgy
At the conclusion of prayer service "Aghi Blit" - salty savours (Աղի բլիթ) will be distributed.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026 there will be a Morning Prayer Service starting at 9:00 AM
Concluding the Three-Day Fast of Catechumens
• Blessing of Water
• Confession
• Holy Communion
• Distribution of Blessed Water
The service will be followed by a light reception.
We warmly invite our faithful parishioners to join us for this special prayer service and to receive the spiritual blessings of prayer.
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