Armenian Lacrosse Coach Reads Story of Jesus’ Birth at Geghard Monastery on Day 8 of Bible Tour

Armenian Lacrosse co-founder and coach Johnny Mouradian continued his 12-day Bible reading tour across Armenia on Tuesday, sharing the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ during a stop at Geghard Monastery.

Mouradian’s eighth reading came from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke and followed Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.

“Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,” Mouradian read.

The passage describes Mary, who was pregnant and betrothed to Joseph, traveling with him to Bethlehem to be registered. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn,” Mouradian read.

Mouradian delivered the Aug. 18 reading at Geghard Monastery, one of Armenia’s best-known medieval religious sites. Located in the Upper Azat Valley, the monastery is known for its churches and chambers carved partly into the surrounding rock.

He ended the video with the invitation he has repeated throughout the biblical road trip.

“As always, bring a friend to church, bring a family member to church this Sunday and every Sunday,” Mouradian said. “Join the movement.”

Mouradian began the biblical road trip Aug. 11 at the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan. Since then, he has shared daily scripture readings from historic, cultural and religious locations across the country.

Earlier stops included the Mesrop Mashtots statue outside the Matenadaran and the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. On Day 7, Mouradian read from 2 Corinthians 6, sharing the passage that describes believers as “the temple of the living God.”

The 12-day journey is scheduled to continue through Aug. 22, with stops including Gyumri, Khor Virap, Oshakan, Vayk, Mount Hatis and Akhtala.

The tour is expected to conclude at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Mouradian created the tour to encourage Armenians to attend church and invite friends and family members to join them each Sunday.

The daily videos are being published across Armenian Lacrosse’s social media platforms and website.

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