Armenian Orthodox Customs

Youghakin is a cherished Armenian Church tradition of offering a financial gift to the parish, typically during major feast days such as Christmas and Easter. This act symbolizes the believer's dedication to the church and their role in sustaining its spiritual and communal mission. Youghakin represents more than a donation—it is a tangible expression of gratitude and a commitment to preserving the church as a place of worship, education, and cultural continuity. This longstanding tradition reminds us of the shared responsibility to nurture our faith and ensure the church thrives for future generations.

Madagh, or the “offering meal,” is a sacred Armenian custom deeply rooted in biblical traditions. Often prepared as an act of thanksgiving to God or in memory of loved ones, Madagh represents charity, unity, and communal devotion. The meal, blessed by clergy, is distributed to the faithful, symbolizing God’s provision and the fellowship of the Church. This custom reinforces the values of gratitude and generosity while strengthening the bond among participants. Through Madagh, the Armenian community preserves a profound sense of togetherness and spiritual purpose.

The Blessing of the Grapes is celebrated during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, marking the sanctification of the harvest and the offering of first fruits to God. Grapes hold special significance in Armenian tradition, representing Christ as the “True Vine” and the Church’s connection to Him. During this ceremony, grapes are blessed by the clergy and distributed to the faithful, symbolizing gratitude for God’s blessings and the sanctification of all aspects of life. This beloved tradition continues to remind us of the spiritual and physical abundance provided by God.

The Blessing of the Water, performed during the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, commemorates the moment when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. This tradition symbolizes purification, renewal, and the sanctification of all creation. During the ceremony, water is blessed and shared with the congregation as a reminder of Christ’s transformative power and the renewal of faith. The Blessing of the Water is a deeply spiritual practice that connects the faithful to their baptismal vows and the promise of a life in Christ.

The Blessing of the Home is a deeply personal and meaningful Armenian Church tradition, often performed around the Christmas and Easter seasons. A priest visits the home to offer prayers and sprinkle holy water, sanctifying the space and invoking God’s protection and blessings for the household. This practice reminds families of the importance of faith in their daily lives and reinforces the connection between the church and home as places of spiritual refuge. The Blessing of the Home serves as a beautiful reminder that God’s presence extends beyond the walls of the church into every corner of our lives.

Merelotz, or the Remembrance of the Departed, is a solemn and sacred tradition in the Armenian Church dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed away. Typically observed on specific days, such as the day after major feast days, this practice includes special prayers, requiem services, and visits to cemeteries. During these services, the names of the departed are read aloud, and the faithful offer prayers for their souls. Merelotz serves as a reminder of the eternal bond between the living and the departed, emphasizing the Church's teachings on resurrection, hope, and the enduring presence of God’s grace.

The Commemoration of the Saints is an integral part of Armenian Christian worship, honoring the lives of holy men and women who exemplified faith, courage, and devotion. Through special services, prayers, and hymns, the Church celebrates the legacy of these saints, asking for their intercession and drawing inspiration from their steadfast commitment to God. This tradition reinforces the Armenian Church’s connection to its apostolic roots and encourages the faithful to reflect on how they, too, can live lives of service and devotion. It should also be noted that the Armenian Church canonized the 1.5 million martyrs of the Armenian Genocide as saints on April 23, 2015 in Etchmiadzin, Armenia.

The Blessing of the Holy Muron is a unique and sacred Armenian Church tradition that takes place once every seven years at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia. The Holy Muron, or chrism, is a consecrated oil used in sacraments such as Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and Ordination. It symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit and the unity of the Armenian Church worldwide. During this deeply spiritual ceremony, the Catholicos of All Armenians blesses the new Muron, blending it with remnants of the original oil prepared by St. Gregory the Illuminator, connecting the faithful to the apostolic roots of their faith.

Barekendan, meaning “Good Living,” marks the joyful prelude to the season of Great Lent in the Armenian Church. It is a time of celebration and feasting, signifying gratitude for God’s blessings before entering a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. The faithful use this time to strengthen community bonds, prepare their hearts for repentance, and focus on spiritual renewal. Barekendan embodies the balance of joy and reverence in the Armenian faith, reminding the faithful to embrace both celebration and self-discipline in their journey toward Easter.