Dear Friends,

Holy Cross of Varak

Among the various feasts of the Holy Cross, today’s feast is particular to the Armenian Church. It is our feast of the Holy Cross and is an exemplary reflection of our national Church.

In the 7th century (660 A.D.) a solitary monk by the name of Totig, who lived on Mount Varak, had a vision that upon the summit of that mountain was a cathedral with twelve pillars, in the midst of which was a brilliant cross. A little later the Cross in the apparition moved slowly down the mountain and rested upon the holy altar of the Monastery of Varak. Totig and his student Hovel rushed to the church and prostrated themselves before a Holy Relic there, which the vision revealed to be truly a piece of the Holy Cross.

St. Hripsimeh and her companions had brought with them a relic of the Holy Cross to Mount Varak when they sought refuge there during their persecution (4th century). They left it in the keeping of pious priests and the relic remained hidden in the secret place where it was buried. Many, like Totig and Hovel, because of their love for the Holy Relic, passed their lives as monks in seclusion in those mountains, praying for its revelation.

And on account of Your precious Cross, Lord, receive our supplications and save us. Amen.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
September 30, 2007