The Armenian Diocese in Georgia solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple (Tiarn’ndaraj) this year. Holiday preparations had been made in the capital of Georgia and almost in every Armenian-inhabited region. The feast was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Church in Akhalkalaki, the Surb Sarkis Church in Ninotsminda, the Surb Grigor Lusavorich Church (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) in Akhaltsikhe of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, in the Surb Prkich Church (Saint Savior) in Batumi, the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church in the village of Shahumyan in the region of Kvemo Kartli, in the Chapel Srbots Avetaranchats (Holy Evangelists) of village Tsiteli, the Saint Gevorg Cathedral and Saint Etchmiadzin Church in Tbilisi, as well as in cultural centers.

The feast symbolizes the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child to the Temple in Jerusalem. In accordance with the Law of Moses, the infant Christ was brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph and presented to God. On February 14, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple. Tiarn’ndaraj, or Candlemas as it is known in the West, falls on a fixed date every year. On February 13, 2016, Evening Services (Nakhatonak) were conducted on the night preceding the Feast Day.

Under the leadership of the Diocesan Primate and with the participation of the clergy on the eve of the feast, the Evening Service was conducted in the Saint Gevorg Cathedral in Tbilisi. The Andastan ceremony was held - the blessing of the four corners of the world and candles representing the symbol of the Light of Christ.

By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple was proclaimed as a day of blessing of newlywed couples. The couples, who got married during the last year, came to receive God's benevolence and blessing.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan greeted the people gathered together in the Saint Gevorg Cathedral. He noted the importance of preserving and transferring to younger generations Armenian Church customs and traditions for Armenians of Diaspora. The Bishop urged the attendees to observe traditional and religious feasts, stay united around the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, preserve national and spiritual heritage. His Grace thanked Georgian authorities and Georgian people, who help local Armenians to retain national and spiritual values.

The traditional Trndez fire was lighted in the churchyard and the concert organized by Levon Chidilyan, Director of the Cultural Department of the Diocese, began. Liza Torosyan served as mistress of ceremonies. The Vanq Dance Ensemble (Choreographer Liana Kashavanidze), the Ani Dance Ensemble (Choreographer Angelina Nazarian-Kochian), the Hayartun Center’s dhol and duduk classes performed during the concert.

The Feast of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple was solemnly celebrated in Tbilisi Saint Etchmiadzin Church. A fire was lighted after prayer services and the blessing of newlywed couples. The Calouste Gulbenkian Hall of the Hayartun Center hosted a beautiful concert featuring Saint Nerses Shnorhali Youth and Children’s Choir, solo performers and the Taron Dance Group. Mistress of Ceremonies Anna Badalyan presented musical performances as well.

Joyful song and dance performances in the Saint George Cathedral and Surb Etchmiadzin Church culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.

At the initiative of the Saint George Cathedral and the Saint Etchmiadzin Church clergymen and with the help of the churches’ godfathers, Yuri Yeremyan and Karen Sargsyan, receptions took place, during which young couples had a chance to get to know each other.

On February 14, the Holly Mass for the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple (Tiarn’ndaraj) was celebrated in all the operating churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.