On July 3, 2016, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrated one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts – the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. On this occasion the Divine Liturgies were conducted in the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

From the morning, a festive mood and liveliness prevailed in the Saint Gevorg Cathedral in Tbilisi and the Saint Etchmiadzin Church in Avlabari. The believers were coming to attend the Divine Liturgy and participate in the celebration of one the most beloved feasts – the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ or Vardavar.
In the Saint Gevorg Cathedral, under the presidency of His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev. Father Ghevond Topashyan, Dean of St. Gevorg Cathedral, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.  Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, assistant to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, was the celebrant of Divine Liturgy in the Saint Etchmiadzin Church.
Although now a Christian tradition, Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times and includes spilling water on each other. The traditional game of pouring water on each other began in the courtyards of the churches. The celebration was accompanied by joyful songs and the circle dance performances organized by the Hayartun Center. Everyone, including adults and children and guests took part in the celebration.
The celebration after the Liturgy on the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ took place in the Surb Grigor Lusavorich Church (Saint Gregory the Illuminator) in Akhaltsikhe, the Surb Khach (Saint Cross) in Akhalkalaki, the Surb Sargis Church in Ninotsminda, the Surb Prkich (Saint Savior) Church in Batumi.