The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Georgia is celebrating the Candlemas Day, or Diarntarach (Trndez), a feast of purification, celebrated 40 days after Jesus’s birth.

Trndez Divine Liturgy was held on Feb 13 in Holy Echmiadzin Church in Tbilisi. The Head of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan with clergy, taking fire from the lamp, accompanied by the faithful went to the yard of the church to light a traditional bonfire, which symbolizes the light of Christ.

In 46 Armenian churches of Georgia bonfires were lit and newlyweds blessing ceremonies were held.

Bonfires were lit and the newlyweds blessed also in Batumi, Ninotsminda and Akhaltsikhe. In Akhalkalaki, under the leadership of the Vicar General of the Head of the Armenian Diocese in Javakheti, Archimandrite Babgen Salbiyan an evening liturgy was served and a festive bonfire was lighted, and a national festivity was organized.