Armenian Church marks Holy Tuesday

This year, the Armenian Apostolic Church marks Holy Tuesday on March 26.

“The Parable of the Ten Virgins” is commemorated on Holy Tuesday (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable from the Gospel tells the story of the five foolish and the five wise virgins. The message exhorts us to be vigilant and prepared for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Holy Tuesday, during the evening service, ten young women approach the Holy Altar of the Church. Five of the girls have burning candles or oil lamps in their hands, symbolizing the wise maidens, and the other five have extinguished candles or unlit lamps in their hands, symbolizing the foolish maidens.