On December 23, 2018, after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, the courtyard of the Cathedral of Saint George in Tbilisi hosted the festival of ghapama. The festival of this Armenian national dish was initiated by the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik” with the financial support of the Diocesan Headquarters and under the auspices of the “Hayartun” Center.  
Majestic ghapama, stewed and fired pumpkins, different dishes, hot coffee and tea with honey and khalva, pumpkin conserves and jams were laid on the tables in the courtyard of the church. In attendance were representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to Georgia, members of community organizations and numerous faithful.
The Chairwoman of the Association of Armenian Women in Georgia “Shushanik” Susanna Khachatryan gave opening remarks. She mentioned that Armenians had prepared this delicious dish mostly for New Tear and Easter centauries and it had been the main dish of Armenian parties and celebrations.
The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan appreciated the tradition of connecting church feasts with national cuisine which had been established in the Armenian community in Tbilisi, highlighted the necessity to maintain and spread Armenian soul and spirit through prayer, native language, song and dance, as well as Armenian dishes.
According to the decision made by the Diocesan Headquarters, the family of Alexander and Aida Utmazyan, living in Tbilisi, was announced as the family of the year for their support to the Church and its structures during 2018. The Diocesan Primate handed over the Letter of Blessing and souvenir to them.
Afterwards, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia blessed tables with various types of pumpkin.
The festival was accompanied by the joyful performances of the “Hayartun” Center’s soloists. The Ghapama festival – competition was held also at the “Saint Gregory of Narek” (“Surb Grigor Narekatsi”) Center (Rustavi city) of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and Marina Sargsyan and Vera Bzhalala became winners.