Ghapama feast at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia

On December 17, 2023, the traditional Ghapama Feast was celebrated at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. For years, this beautiful event dedicated to the pumpkin has been celebrated in Tbilisi by the initiative “Shushanik” Association of Armenian Women in Georgia, under the auspices of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and with the support of "Hayartun" Center.

Armenian women from Tbilisi, “House of Hovhannes Tumanyan” Center for Science and Culture, "Saint Moses of Khoren" (Surb Movses Khorenatsi) Preschool, the Homenetmen Tbilisi ՀՄԸՄ Թիֆլիս.The beautiful celebration aimed at popularizing the Armenian national dish was dedicated to winter and maintaining national cuisine, traditions, and customs.

Under the presidency of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Rev, Father Samvel Torosyan celebrated Sunday Divine Liturgy at Saint Etchmiadzin church in Avlabari, Tbilisi.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, dishes cooked with stewed and grilled pumpkins, pastries, jams, hot tea, and coffee, and of course, the ghapama pumpkin with its various designs and decorations were waiting for the faithful at the “Hayartun” Center.

Susanna Khachatryan, Chairwoman of “Shushanik” Association of Armenian Women in Georgia, opened the event, mentioning that it was harmonized with the exhibition of Armenian women's canvases, embroideries, handicrafts, in which the members of the "Shushanik" Association actively participate, as well as the students of the handicraft courses (head: Marina Tsikarishvili) operating in Shulaver-Shahumyan village of Marneuli, Kvemo Kartli region.

His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia welcomed everyone who attended the event, referred to the mystery of the ghapama dish, urged those present to actively participate in church ceremonies, diocesan events, which contribute to the education of generations in the spirit of national traditions and customs.

The ceremony took place in the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall accompanied by the melody of the song "Ghapama", inviting the attendees to a reception.