The Fresno Bee (California)
July 29, 2006 Saturday
Blessing of the grapes in Fresno: Armenian churches plan for a
centuries-old tradition.
Ron Orozco, The Fresno Bee, Calif.
Jul. 29–St. Paul Armenian Church and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church each will present a blessing of the grapes ceremony in August
at the California Armenian Home in Fresno.
St. Paul Armenian Church will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 6, followed by the grapes blessing by Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, at noon. St. Paul Armenian Church is a member of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church will celebrate Divine Liturgy
at 10 a.m. Aug. 13, followed by the grapes blessing by the Rev. Vahan
Gosdanian at 11:30 a.m.
It is a centuries-old tradition for Armenian congregations worldwide
to pray for God’s blessings and protection over vineyards and grapes,
which are used in preparation for sacramental wine.
The St. Paul Armenian Church celebration will continue with the
annual congregational picnic, which will be held 12:30-5 p.m.
Armenian foods such as shish kebab and lulu kebab will be available.
There also will be dancing and entertainment. Music will be provided
by the Richard Hagopian Ensemble. A classic car show also will be
held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds will go to the church’s missions
programs.
The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church celebration also will
continue with a congregational picnic at noon. Traditional Armenian
foods will be available. Music for dancing will feature Hagopian on
the oud and Hachig Kazarian on clarinet. Proceeds will benefit the
church’s charitable programs. The public is welcome at both events.
Admission is free. California Armenian Home is at 6720 E. Kings
Canyon Road.
Details: (559) 431-5500 for the St. Paul Armenian Church event, (559)
486-1141 for the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church event.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
