Memorial Day in Armenia

In Armenia, on January 7, as well as all the days immediately following the Great (main) holidays, takes place Day of the Remembrance of the Dead (Memorial Day)- Merelots (Armenian).

As the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese reported, on January 7, after the Divine Liturgy, all churches pray for the souls, then people visit the graves of their relatives.

Note that the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Nativity of Jesus Christ on the 6th of January. On January 6, after the Christmas, Holy Liturgy Blessing of water takes place, which symbolizes Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. 

During the celebration of the Nativity, the Holy Consecration of the House is also perpetrated. In general, after the Feast of Holy Nativity and Holy Resurrection people invite the priest to their home or place of work, wanting to get life-giving message and blessing of God. Consecration of the House may take place another time, if the peace and quiet are violated in the house, or the presence of evil spirits is felt at home.