Armenia

Every late January or early February, a hush falls over Armenian households around the world. Kitchens grow quieter. Meals become simpler. For five days, the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church enter a period of spiritual discipline that stretches back more than 1,700 years. This is the Fast of Catechumens […]

Every year, as winter tightens its grip on the Armenian highlands, a holiday filled with warmth, love, and centuries-old folklore arrives. Saint Sarkis Day — known in Armenian as Surb Sarkis — is Armenia’s own celebration of love. Think of it as the Armenian Valentine’s Day, but older, richer in […]

Every winter, when frost still clings to the rooftops of Yerevan and the scent of incense drifts through ancient stone churches, young Armenians prepare for one of the most romantic and spiritually rich holidays in the Christian calendar. Saint Sarkis Day — known in Armenian as Surb Sarkis (Սուրբ Սարգիս) […]

There is a winter Saturday in Armenia when the cold air carries something warmer than snow. It carries hope. Young men and women across the country wake up and check trays of flour left outside their doors. They look for a mark — the hoofprint of a white horse. That […]

Every winter, while much of the world prepares for Valentine’s Day, Armenian communities around the globe celebrate a holiday that is centuries older, far more mysterious, and, frankly, much more delicious. Saint Sarkis Day — known in Armenian as Surb Sarkis (Սdelays Սargas) — is a feast day dedicated to […]

Every winter, as frost settles over the streets of Yerevan and the scent of toasted sesame fills Armenian kitchens from Glendale to Beirut, a beloved holiday approaches. Saint Sarkis Day — the Armenian celebration of love and youth — is a feast day unlike any other. It blends ancient Christian […]

Every nation has its own way of celebrating love. In France, couples stroll along the Seine on Valentine’s Day. In Japan, women gift chocolate on February 14 and men return the favor a month later. But in Armenia, the celebration of love has roots far older and deeper than any […]

Every winter, as frost settles across the Armenian highlands and snow blankets the ancient churches of Yerevan, a feeling of warmth stirs in the hearts of Armenian youth. It is the season of Sourb Sarkis — the Feast of Saint Sarkis the Warrior — a holiday that blends deep Christian […]

Every winter, as snow blankets the mountains of the Armenian Highlands, young Armenians eat unbearably salty cookies before bed and pray for a glimpse of their future beloved in a dream. This is the magic of Saint Sarkis Day — Armenia’s own celebration of love, faith, and ancient folklore. If […]