Movsesian was referring to the 12 days between Dec. 25 and Jan 6.
Armenians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6 because it is the date of the birth of Christ observed in Armenian history, Movsesian said. The Roman Catholic Church celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 in conjunction with pagan rituals, he added.
Movsesian also performed a water blessing where he poured water and oil on a cross in a basin, and then blessed the water and congregation.
Congregants then sang a hymn with incense and candles burning.
The service on Sunday at St. Peter was a way for most Armenians to not only give thanks, but to also visit with friends and spend time with family.
Pasadena resident Kathryn Mgrublian came to church with her family in honor of Armenian Christmas.
“A lot of my non-Armenian friends ask me what it’s like to celebrate Armenian Christmas and I say it’s part of my identity and it’s what sets me apart from other people,” Mgrublian said. “It’s a great time to get together with family.”
Mgrublian’s family acknowledges Christmas on Dec. 25, she said, adding that they celebrate both holidays.
Astgik Abasyan of Glendale celebrated Christmas twice as well. She had a good reason why she was obligated to celebrate Dec. 25.
“I have to, it’s my birthday,” the 17-year-old said.
Like many Armenians, Astgik didn’t get Christmas presents on Dec. 25 or Jan. 6. She got them on New Year’s instead.
In the evening, the Alex Theatre hosted a concert featuring Taline, an Armenian children’s performer, which drew a full house.
The show, “Taline, Friends and Santa,” included Armenian holiday songs, dancing, sing-a-longs and improvisation with the audience.
Taline’s friends included a cat, a rabbit, fairy and a clown.
