Christmas in Armenia
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, and Armenian Christmas reflects that ancient heritage. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, combining it with Epiphany (Theophany). This is not a calendar quirk: the Armenian Church has never celebrated December 25, maintaining the original practice of the early Church.
Armenia holds a unique place in Christmas history. As the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, it has celebrated the birth of Christ for over 1,700 years. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, combined with Epiphany, preserving the practice of the early Church before December 25 was adopted in the 4th century. This is not a calendar difference like the Julian/Gregorian split. The Armenian Church has simply never changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Armenia celebrate Christmas on January 6?
The Armenian Apostolic Church maintains the original early Christian practice of celebrating Christ's birth and baptism together on January 6. Most other churches moved the Nativity to December 25 in the 4th century. Armenia never adopted the change.
Traditions & Customs
January 6 Christmas
The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on Epiphany (January 6), the date of Christ's baptism. This preserves the earliest Christian practice, before December 25 was adopted by the Western Church.
Christmas Eve Fast
A strict fast is observed on January 5. The fast is broken after the evening church service with anoush abour, a sweet wheat berry soup.
Anoush Abour
A sweet soup of wheat berries, dried apricots, raisins, and walnuts, served after the Christmas Eve fast. It is Armenia's most distinctive Christmas food.
Blessing of the Waters
On January 6, a cross is thrown into water and blessed. The ceremony, similar to Greek and Ethiopian Epiphany practices, marks the baptism of Jesus.
Key Dates
Christmas Eve
Fasting day. Evening church service. Anoush abour breaks the fast.
Surb Tsnund (Christmas/Epiphany)
Christmas and Epiphany celebrated together. Church services and Blessing of the Waters.
Christmas Carols
Armenian Christmas Hymns
SharakanAncient Armenian church hymns (sharakan) are performed during the Christmas liturgy. The Armenian musical tradition dates back over a millennium.