"Last week was a week to celebrate love," said Fr. Abraham during last Sunday's homily. "We had Valentine's Day and, as Christian Armenians, we also celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple (Dyarnuntarach) on February 14 and yesterday we celebrated St. Sarkis. Today, in honor of the many feasts of love, we will have a special blessing of newly married, engaged and in-love couples at the end of Badarak followed by a Dyarnuntarach celebration. Dyarnuntarach means 'going before God.' Forty days after Jesus' birth, He was presented to the temple by His parents. In Armenian tradition, a bonfire is lit on this day to signify that Christ it the light of the world."
For the first time, Holy Martyrs held a beautiful blessing ceremony for the newly married, engaged and in-love couples.Twelve couples, some with their young children, stood before the congregation and received Fr. Abraham's blessing, with hopes for a long and fruitful life. He reminded the couples that the church is always welcoming to them and that it is important to live a forgiving and humbling life."You need to be accepting of your spouse and you need to be together in marriage."
A small bonfire was lit on the Kalustyan Hall "Green," following the blessing service. Despite the cold weather, many joined in dancing around the fire with Fr. Abraham and Yn. Karine. A fellowship hour hosted by the Couples Club and Men's Fellowship, with music by DJ Ashot, concluded the celebrations. Congratulations to all our couples who are in love!
