ARMENIAN BLESSING OF THE GRAPES IN THE VALLEY

CBS 47
8/10 10:06 am

It is harvest time for grape growers in the Valley, so this past
weekend, Valley Armenian’s celebrated with an ancient tradition.

Churches from around the Valley came together for the Annual Blessing
of the Grapes. It took place at the Armenian Home in Southeast Fresno.

Growers brought grapes of all colors and varieties to be blessed by
church leaders.

Reverand George Leyegian with St. Gregory Armenian Church said, "The
blessing of the grapes has gone on for centuries — it’s biblical of
course. On the third day of creation, God said, ‘Let the earth bring
forth all types of plants,’ and we bless them based on that."

There is another holiday to celebrate on the Armenian calendar this
week. August 11th is New Years Day, when they bring in the new harvest
and celebrate a new vintage.