Cultural aspects in Christian and Islamic religions - unesdoc - Unesco

even in the Nestorian Church. It is preceded by a
fasting period of one or two weeks to prepare for
the celebrations.
In the Maronite Church, this Feast Day has a special
rank since it is celebrated by the Patriarch who
holds Mass in the presence of the major clerical
members and the faithful Christians.
Father Eliano depicts the celebration of the
Assumption Day in Qannubin on August 15, 1580:
‘On the eve of the Holiday, people would flock to
Qannubin from various regions. The Patriarch and
those present would look on from the roof of the
monastery to the people flocking in. Churches
The rite of grape blessing is particular to the Armenian Orthodox Church on Assumption, in August.
would toll their bells; peasants would light fires
as a sign of joy. Fire shots would be heard as well
as chants of happiness! On the day of the Feast,
Mass would be celebrated in the presence of the
Bishops, clergymen, and the people.”
The Armenian Orthodox Church honors Virgin
Mary throughout the year and most specifically
on the yearly Feast Day, i.e. the closest Sunday to
August 15. At the end of Mass held for this occasion,
grapes that have been blessed are handed out to
the faithful. Old Armenian traditions include not
having any grapes other than after the Assumption
and the blessing of grapes in the Church.
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