On August 14, the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria splendidly celebrated the Transfiguration of the Holy Virgin with a Divine Liturgy and a Grape Blessing Ceremony, as reported the press divan of the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria to Hayern Aysor.

Sunday was a day of celebration for three of the active churches in Bulgaria, including the churches in Sofia, Ruse and Schuman since it was also the day of sacrament of the churches named after Saint Mary. Generally, the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria celebrates the Transfiguration of the Holy Virgin by preparing for the celebration, organizing pilgrimages of crowds and blessing sacrificed lamb.

The Divine and eternal Liturgy at St. Mary Church of Sofia was served by leader of the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria, Fr. Archimandrite Isahak Poghosyan. In his sermon, the Holy Father talked about the symbol of the day and congratulated the attending faithful Armenians on the Transfiguration of the Holy Virgin and on the day of sacrament of the church, particularly stating the following: “The Holy Virgin stayed true to the tiding given on the occasion of the Birth of Our Lord. “Behold, I remain the handmaid of the Lord”, and this loyalty continued throughout life. This loyalty set an example and is an example for our mothers and sisters because we expect new saviors for the world and especially for our nation from them. Who shall be our guarantors for meeting with God, if not you, dear mothers and sisters? From where and from whom can we expect an example and principle, if not from the Holy Virgin…?”

The Divine Liturgy was followed by the Grape Blessing Ceremony, after which the blessed twigs and sacrificed lamb were distributed to the faithful.