Great Lent or Great Barekendan celebrated at Armenian Diocese in Georgia

With the blessing and support of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, the Great Lent or Great Barekendan feast have become a national celebration for the Armenian community in Tbilisi. After the Divine Liturgy at St. Etchmiadzin church in Avlabar, the faithful were welcomed with the blessings of Barekendan and a joyful festive atmosphere at the Diocesan “Hayartun” Center.

Under the presidency of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, a blessing ceremony was held for tables adorned with ghapama, Armenian halva, sweet pilaf, pokhind, pastries, and other delicacies. The event was organized by the “Shushanik” Union of Armenian Women in Georgia with the support of the Diocesan Headquarters, as well as Arkadi Hovakimyan, and Karen Darbinyan, the the cross-bearer of the Cathedral of St. George and St. Etchmiadzin churches.

The event aimed to preserve and pass on folk traditions, customs, and national cuisine to future generations. Susanna Khachatryan, Chairwoman of the “Shushanik” Union of Armenian Women in Georgia, expressed her gratitude to the supporters, individual sponsors, and chef David Babayan, who had traveled from Armenia specifically for the occasion. She also thanked the “Hayartun” and “Hovhannes Tumanyan's House” centers, the Armenian Community in Georgia, the “Tiflis” organization of Homenetmen (Armenian General Union for Physical Education and Scouts) NGOs, and the participating women for their contributions. All participants received certificates of appreciation.

Joyful songs and music filled the “Hayartun“ Center, marking the beginning of the celebration. The spirit of hospitality was in full swing, and the festive mood of Barekendan lasted late into the evening, spreading warmth and joy all around.