Armenian Church celebrates Feast of Lord’s Presentation
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, symbolizes the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child to the Temple in Jerusalem.
In the tradition of the Church, Evening Services (Nakhatonak) are conducted on the night preceding the Feast Day. At the conclusion of the service, the priest lights a candle from the Holy Altar, and distributes the flame to all present. With great care, the faithful take the lit candles home to their families.
Under the auspices of the Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, Tiarn'ndaraj has been announced the day of blessing the newly-weds.
This day newly-weds and loving couples jump over the fire and receive congratulations and blessing from relatives and friends. The ceremony is followed by traditional songs and dances around the fire.
The morning of the Feast Day, Divine Liturgy is celebrated in Armenian Churches throughout the world. Many additional customs have been inherited from the past, including the blessing of the four corners of the world in the Andastan Service, the blessing of newlywed couples, as well as offering prayers for the crops and fertility of the fields.
The Feast is followed by St. Sargis Day which is celebrated 63 days before Easter, on a Saturday falling sometime between Jan. 18 and Feb. 23.
According to the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, before feasting, people should go to church to participate in the evening divine service and pray to God for help and guidance.
