The Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia is traditionally marked by the Festival of Traditional Armenian Sweet Pastry – Gata.

On January 6, 2016, on the initiative of Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik”, by blessing from the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and with the support of the Hayartun Center, the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall hosted the Festival of Traditional Armenian Sweet Pastry – Gata. The tables along the hall were decorated with different types of traditional Armenian pastry prepared warmly by Armenian women.

The Pastor of the Surb Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi, Father Narek Ghushyan, blessed the tables with pastry, congratulated everyone on the occasion of the Feast the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and transmitted to the people present the blessing and good wishes from the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

The Chairman of the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik”, Susanna Khachatryan spoke about the varieties of Armenian pastry (gata) and regional differences, pointed out the importance to transfer our traditions to future generations. She thanked the Armenian women of Tbilisi for their participation in the festival.

The festival was accompanied by the joyful performances of the Hayartun Center’s Saint Nerses Shnorhali Children’s Choir (Choirmaster – Maria Abulyan and Pianist – Karen Mirzoyan), and solo performers Ani Hovhannisyan, Marianna Sahakyan, Ani Torosyan, Ruzanna Mikaelyan, Sofa Voskanyan, Inna Azizbekyan et.al.

Cheerful songs, dances and sweet pastry created a festive Christmas mood on the Festival “Gata-2016”, which was attended by many foreigners.