Tweet
VALLEY RELIGION NEWS: BLESSING OF THE GRAPES CEREMONIES PLANNED AND OTHER NEWS
The Fresno Bee, CA
Aug 8 2014
By Ron Orozco
The area's Armenian faith community will again celebrate a
centuries-old tradition -- the blessing of the grapes.
The tradition dates to ancient Armenia at the beginning of harvest
in mid-August when priests asked God to protect the vineyards from
natural disasters and to bless the grapes and the harvest. After the
ceremony, parishioners exchanged best wishes.
In Fresno, two Armenian churches each present the blessing ceremony
with a congregational picnic. Their events are held on separate
weekends.
The St. Paul Armenian Church Picnic and Grape Blessing is Sunday, Aug.
10, at California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon Road.
The event begins with the celebration of divine liturgy at 10:30 a.m,
followed by the blessing of the grapes at noon and picnic at 12:30 p.m.
The celebration also will be the first service for the Rev. Yessai
Bedros, who was named Wednesday as new parish priest at St. Paul
Armenian Church.
Bedros, 29, who was born in Kamishli, Syria, replaces the Rev. Arshen
Aivazian, 69, who retired in May after serving 14 years at the church.
Bedros previously served at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
in Burbank. Since May, Bedros was assigned several times to serve as
a guest celebrant at St. Paul Armenian Church.
The congregational picnic offers a menu of shish kebab, chicken kebab,
lulu burger, salad, pilaf and beverage. Music will be provided by
the Richard Hagopian Band.
Details: (559) 226-6343.
The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Grape Blessing, Picnic &
Festival will be Aug. 17, also at California Armenian Home.
Divine liturgy starts at 10 a.m., followed by the blessing of the
grapes at 11:45 a.m. and the picnic/festival at noon.
Details: (559) 486-1141.
http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/08/08/4061498/valley-religion-news-blessing.html?sp=/99/1355/
The Fresno Bee, CA
Aug 8 2014
By Ron Orozco
The area's Armenian faith community will again celebrate a
centuries-old tradition -- the blessing of the grapes.
The tradition dates to ancient Armenia at the beginning of harvest
in mid-August when priests asked God to protect the vineyards from
natural disasters and to bless the grapes and the harvest. After the
ceremony, parishioners exchanged best wishes.
In Fresno, two Armenian churches each present the blessing ceremony
with a congregational picnic. Their events are held on separate
weekends.
The St. Paul Armenian Church Picnic and Grape Blessing is Sunday, Aug.
10, at California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon Road.
The event begins with the celebration of divine liturgy at 10:30 a.m,
followed by the blessing of the grapes at noon and picnic at 12:30 p.m.
The celebration also will be the first service for the Rev. Yessai
Bedros, who was named Wednesday as new parish priest at St. Paul
Armenian Church.
Bedros, 29, who was born in Kamishli, Syria, replaces the Rev. Arshen
Aivazian, 69, who retired in May after serving 14 years at the church.
Bedros previously served at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
in Burbank. Since May, Bedros was assigned several times to serve as
a guest celebrant at St. Paul Armenian Church.
The congregational picnic offers a menu of shish kebab, chicken kebab,
lulu burger, salad, pilaf and beverage. Music will be provided by
the Richard Hagopian Band.
Details: (559) 226-6343.
The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Grape Blessing, Picnic &
Festival will be Aug. 17, also at California Armenian Home.
Divine liturgy starts at 10 a.m., followed by the blessing of the
grapes at 11:45 a.m. and the picnic/festival at noon.
Details: (559) 486-1141.
http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/08/08/4061498/valley-religion-news-blessing.html?sp=/99/1355/