Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary
On Sunday August 12, 2018, the community of St. Sarkis Church observed the Feast of the Assumption (Verapokoum) of the Holy Virgin Mary. Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Following the Divine Liturgy, over 150 parishioners attended the ceremony of Blessing of the Grapes and enjoyed a traditional Harissa luncheon, hosted by the Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church. Der Hayr took a moment to remember our beloved Karnig Nercessian by keeping his memory and legacy alive.
Under the leadership of Yn. Annie Terterian & Mrs. Ani Nercessian, a traditional Harissa was prepared with the help of Mrs. Amy Gostanian, Mrs. Zepiur Ardzivian, Mrs. Maria Ebrimian, Mrs. Anita Masoian and members of the Ladies Guild. Sandwiches were also served as madagh. The customary and refreshing tan was donated and prepared by Mrs. Dory Shishmanian.
Grapes were donated by Mr. & Mrs. Vicken and Pamela Keshishian and the altar flowers were donated by Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Zepiur Ardzivian in memory of their beloved mothers.
The Blessing of the Grapes is based on the Biblical teaching "So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me...You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 26:10). In the Armenian Church, the offering of first fruit takes the form of a thanksgiving and blessing and then the faithful consume the fruit.
Harissa, the traditional Armenian recipe dating back to St. Gregory the Illuminator, began at St. Sarkis Church 12 years ago and became very popular with the parishioners.
Under the leadership of Yn. Annie Terterian & Mrs. Ani Nercessian, a traditional Harissa was prepared with the help of Mrs. Amy Gostanian, Mrs. Zepiur Ardzivian, Mrs. Maria Ebrimian, Mrs. Anita Masoian and members of the Ladies Guild. Sandwiches were also served as madagh. The customary and refreshing tan was donated and prepared by Mrs. Dory Shishmanian.
Grapes were donated by Mr. & Mrs. Vicken and Pamela Keshishian and the altar flowers were donated by Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Zepiur Ardzivian in memory of their beloved mothers.
The Blessing of the Grapes is based on the Biblical teaching "So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me...You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 26:10). In the Armenian Church, the offering of first fruit takes the form of a thanksgiving and blessing and then the faithful consume the fruit.
Harissa, the traditional Armenian recipe dating back to St. Gregory the Illuminator, began at St. Sarkis Church 12 years ago and became very popular with the parishioners.