On August 12, Armenians around the world celebrated the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos - a holiday, at the end of which it is customary to consecrate grapes. As Sputnik Armenia clarifies, the people of the Assumption call it Hakhohornek, that is, the holiday of consecration of grapes - until that day, eating grapes is not blessed. In the tradition of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Assumption is the fourth in a row of five great holidays and the oldest of the seven that honor the Most Holy Theotokos. Tradition prescribes to go on this day on pilgrimage trips and make 'matah', charitable offerings. In addition to the consecration of grape bunches, national pastries are also brought to churches on this day for consecration. In addition, many slaughter a lamb for the holiday. According to the legend of the Armenian Church, shortly before her Dormition, the Most Pure, at the request of the Apostle John, put the board given to him to her face and washed it with tears - thus Her image was imprinted on the tree. Later, this not-made shrine was given as a consolation to the Apostle Bartholomew. The enlightener of Armenia brought her to the area called Darbonots (smithy), where a convent and a temple in the name of the Mother of God were later founded. Consecration of grapes is not an obligatory part of the celebration of the Assumption - an old Armenian tradition is connected with the fact that it is on this day that grapes ripen, and people bring them to the temple as a sign of gratitude to the Creator. Part of the grapes consecrated on this day is usually given to the parishioners of the church.
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