Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary Mother of God & The Blessing of Grapes and Madagh
Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary, Mother of God (Verapokhum)
After Jesus’ Ascension, Mary remained in Jerusalem and enjoyed the care and the solicitude of the
Apostles. She passed away when she was 60 years old. All the Apostles were present at the burial
except St. Bartholomew. Mary had a premonition that Bartholomew might be exceedingly distressed
for being denied the opportunity of paying his last respect at her funeral. As a consequence, she gave
a portrait of herself to the Apostle John to give to Bartholomew. According to Armenian tradition, the
Apostle Bartholomew, the first enlightener of the Armenians, took the portrait with him to Armenia.
In spite of having the portrait, St. Bartholomew was not satisfied. He insisted on going to the grave and
to see the body. The Apostles were gathered at the cemetery, trying to satisfy Bartholomew’s demand.
Three days and nights of angelic songs and heavenly melodies had been for her in sleep. After three
days the body of St. Mary Mother of God was carried up into heaven., the Assumption. This is the feats
of the Assumption that we celebrate in the month of August.
The Blessing of Grapes and Madagh
An old tradition among Armenians was the blessings of the first and best fruits given to God, as an
expression of thanks and gratitude. The grape enjoyed preeminence among all fruits, because it is the
source of wine that is used in the Sacrament of the Divine Liturgy, in the Holy Communion and in Holy
Matrimony. Therefore, Armenian Church conducts Grape Blessing service at the Assumption feast day.
Holy Scriptures exhort us to be merciful and to give alms to those who are in need. Therefore,
Madagh is an act of mercy, thanksgiving and alms offering. During major feasts and Church name days,
believers offer Madagh to express their gratitude to God for granting them health and wellbeing, and
to ask for the peace of the souls.
August 11, 2021| Comments Off on Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary Mother of God & The Blessing of Grapes and Madagh
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