April 10, 2009: The friday 10th April 2009, the Armenian faithful gathered around the ‘tomb’ constructed in front of the Altar of the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator. The tomb was covered with colorful flowers and the Reliquary of the wood from the cross of Jesus stood on it. While the seminary choir sang “Sourp Asdvadz” (Holy God), His Holiness Aram I and the clergy knelt in front of the tomb and then His Holiness Aram I presided over the funeral service.
At the end of the service Catholicos Aram I shared his reflections on the meaning of the ‘empty tomb’, and the power it has acquired from the Resurrection event and its promise of eternal life. He described the ‘empty tomb’ as the unfolding of the mystery of Christian faith through Jesus’ life and death. He said: “the eternal entered time and the incomprehensible was comprehended ”. For him the presence of youth at the commemorative service was an affirmation of the mission of the church transmitted through generations. In conclusion he told the youth, “Jesus is present among us every moment and everywhere. Your continual presence in the church and your participation in its life transforms the church into a mission.”
At the end of the ceremony His Holiness Aram I blessed the people with the Reliquary, After that, according to the tradition, the faithful then passed under the empty tomb and took with them flowers as a sign of the promise of eternal life.
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