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Did you know that 40 days after the birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to their Temple for a blessing? During Friday night's Salt & Light worship we learned that the 40th Day Baby blessing in the Armenian Apostolic Church is rooted in the traditions of the Virgin Mary long ago wherein new mothers made offerings to give thanks for the safe delivery of mother and child.
His Eminence, Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate presided over prayers in the sanctuary on Friday night on the eve of the Presentation of the Lord. During the service, members of Salt & Light participated in the celebration, Greg Injoyan, Armen Megherian, David Mirzoyan, Maral Tateosian, Armen Fiesel and Steven Miskaryan read passages from Scripture describing the blessing of Jesus followed by an explanation of the rite.
At the end of the services, Srpazan Anoushavan carried an illuminated candle outside to light the Dyarentarach bonfire. Dyarentarach is an ancient Armenian tradition celebrated on February 13th or 14th that welcomes spring, symbolizes purification, and brings good fortune.
Originally a pagan festival for Vahagn (Վահագն), a major warrior and fire god in ancient Armenian pagan mythology, it now combines with the Christian celebration of the Presentation of the Lord.
Salt & Light participants sang songs around the fire then came inside for hot cocoa and cookies before saying goodnight. Hopefully we will continue this fun tradition in years to come.