Hisnak: The Armenian Advent Before January 6

Hisnak is the Armenian Church's season of preparation for Christmas. The name comes from the Armenian word for fifty, and the season lasts about fifty days. It leads to the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ on January 6.

What does Hisnak mean?

Advent means "coming," the coming of Christ. In Armenian the season is called Hisnak (Յիսնակ), also written Hisnag. The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church describes it as a 50-day period, about two weeks longer than Advent in Western churches.

That difference matters in the diaspora. Western Advent starts four Sundays before December 25. Hisnak starts earlier and ends later, because Armenian Christmas keeps its own date.

When does Hisnak start in 2026?

Hisnak begins in late November. St. John Armenian Church's 2026 liturgical calendar marks the start of the fifty days on November 22. Parish calendars can differ slightly, so check your own church bulletin.

The season ends with Armenian Christmas. The Armenian Church celebrates the Nativity and the Theophany of Christ together, on January 6.

How do the fasting weeks work?

Hisnak is not one continuous fast. According to the Eastern Diocese, it is shaped by three week-long fasts:

• The Fast of the Beginning of Hisnak, which opens the season.
• The Fast of St. James, Bishop of Nisibis, which follows the third Sunday of Hisnak. His commemoration falls on the Saturday after it.
• A final week of fasting before the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany.

In the weeks between these fasts, Wednesdays and Fridays are fast days.

Which feasts fall in the season?

The fasting does not cancel the feasts. The Presentation of the Holy Virgin to the Temple is fixed on November 21, and the Conception of the Holy Virgin by St. Anna on December 9. When either falls in a fasting week, it is celebrated in church while the fast continues.

The season also holds the commemorations of several saints. Among them are St. Gregory the Wonderworker, St. Basil of Caesarea and Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholomew. On the St. John 2026 calendar, Thaddeus and Bartholomew fall on November 28 and St. James of Nisibis on December 12.

Keeping Hisnak at home

The Eastern Diocese describes Advent as a time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and to rededicate oneself to Christ in action, thought and prayer. At home, that usually looks small and practical.

• Mark the fast days on the family calendar, so they don't get lost in December.
• Say a prayer together before the evening meal.
• Give the cross or icon in your home a clear, uncluttered place for the season.

If you have a sacred image on the wall, our guide on how to display a Christian wall tapestry respectfully covers placement. Khachkar and cross designs are in the Prayer & Faith collection.

Hisnak and December 25

For Armenian-American families, December 25 arrives in the middle of Hisnak. The rest of the country is already celebrating, while the Armenian calendar is still waiting.

Hisnak keeps January 6 in view, so it doesn't become an afterthought once the American holiday has passed.

If you're giving gifts for Armenian Christmas, made-to-order pieces need time to be produced and shipped. Designs with Armenian Christmas lettering, crosses and Nativity scenes are in our Armenian Christmas gifts collection.