BY HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA

SATURDAY, 7 JUNE 2008

ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR MOTHER CATHEDRAL, ANTELIAS, LEBANON

PARTICIPATION

IN THE 

BLESSING OF HOLY MURON

IN ANTELIAS

7 June 2008

The Holy Muron (Holy Chrism) has a particular place in the spirituality of the Armenian Church. With the anointment of the Holy Muron we become member of the Armenian Church. Our people believe that through the touch of the Holy Muron we are reborn, recreated, and restored in God's image. Indeed, the Holy Muron is a source of spiritual transformation and renewal.

According to the ancient tradition of the Armenian Church, the Holy Muron is prepared with the perfume of forty flowers and herbs, olive oil and balsamum being the essential ingredients. The preparation of the Holy Muron is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Before its blessing, which takes place normally once every seven years, the Muron rests forty days on the altar of the Cathedral.

The next blessing of the Holy Muron will take place this year, on Saturday 7 June, in Antelias, Lebanon. Our people all over the world are invited to attend this unique spiritual event.

On this occasion usually our faithful make special donations. Therefore, those who would like to make donation, as a tangible way of participation in the preparation and blessing of Holy Muron, they can send their contribution either through the local Prelacies or to the following account:

Bank:                                   FRANSABANK SAL, Antelias branch, Lebanon

Name of account:                 ARMENIAN CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA

Account Nº:                         003 35 22 21 532027.87

SWIFT Code:                      FSAB LB BX