January 17, 2005 - 19:48 AMT
ARMENIAN CHURCH FAST BEGAN
Every year, three weeks before the beginning of the Lent, the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church are keeping 5-day "Aradzhavorats" fast, which is to last till the St. Sargis holiday. It is said that this fast was established during the years when Armenia adopted Christianity and is a recollection of the 5-day fast kept by the whole Armenian people, who headed by Saint King Trdat III, refused from animal food and confessing the debts before the christening of Armenia by St. Grigor Enlightener. The 5-day fast is followed by one of the most favorite holidays - St. Sargis Day.