Holy Saturday, the destruction of hell, the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas, or Lighting of the Candles (Jragalouytgs)

Holy Saturday is dedicated to Jesus’ burial (Matthew 27:56-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42) and the sealing of the tomb. (Matthew 27:62-66). The body of Jesus was taken down from the cross and wrapped in clean linen and laid in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. A great stone was rolled in front of the entrance to the tomb. According to Jewish tradition the first day was for the Preparation, and the disciples left the tomb with the hope of returning the next day for the censing and anointing of the body of Jesus. Following His placement in the tomb, Jesus descended into Hell and destroyed it, granted salvation to the souls of the just, as well as preached the teachings of the Church.

On Saturday evening the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas is offered. In Armenian “Jragalouytgs” means to light the candle. In ancient times on Sunday evenings the lanterns were filled with oil and lit. However in later time the evening service was called Jragalouytgs (Candlemas) which in our Church is conducted only on the eve of Holy Christmas and Holy Resurrection. During the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas on the feast of Holy Resurrection or Easter the good news of Christ’s Resurrection is given and Great Lent ends. (Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց,
օրհնեալ է յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի․)

Date/Time
Date(s) - 8th April 2023
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Location
St. Yeghiche Armenian Church

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