On the eve of the feast of the entrance of St. Gregory the Illuminator to Khor Virab (the ‘deep well’), His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia blessed the water with the relic of St. Gregory the Illuminator, sharing with the pilgrims the mission of the great saint to the Armenian people.
“We, the pilgrims gathered at the Catholicosate of Cilicia, we besiege you with our prayers Great companion of our journey of faith,” His Holiness said in his prayer.
“The Apostle of the faith of the Armenian people, guard and protect us through your deep faith. Destroy all evil surrounding us and lead us to the eternal fountain of heavenly gifts and righteousness… Enlighten our dark paths and pour your heavenly blessings upon our people, on our families and our Big family. Lead us all as a nation to your Glory, to the glory of the Church of Christ and the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.”
At the end of the water blessing ceremony, the relic of the Great Saint of the Armenian nation remained on the Alter of the Cathedral for the pilgrims to offer their prayers.
