On 6 January, the Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates both the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. At the time of the Apostles, the traditions in the Christian churches varied throughout different parts of the world; Christmas was probably not observed at all in the early Church. Later, the birth and baptism of Christ began to be observed on 6 January.
By the 4th century, the Western Church celebrated the birth of Christ on 25 December. The Eastern Churches, however, continued to observe Christmas on 6 January. Thus, the "Armenian Christmas" commemorates the Nativity (birth) and Theophany (baptism) together.
On the eve of this Feast, a Divine Liturgy with the "lighting of the lamps" is celebrated in honor of the manifestation of Christ as God's Son. The next day, on 6 January, the mystery of Christ's baptism is celebrated with the "Blessing of Water" or "Jurorhnek".
"Krisdos dzunav yev haydnetsav" (Christ is born and revealed among us)
"Orhnial eh haydnootiunun Krisdosee" (Blessed is the revelation of Christ)
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