By the invitation of Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, over 15 engaged couples took part in Divine Liturgy on February 5, 2012, on St. Sarkis Day celebration. The couples were invited to the Holy Altar and received special blessing. It was a beautiful, heartwarming ceremony. Verses from 1 Corinthians were read by Talar Yardemian in Armenian and Armen Paraghamian in English. Following the Divine Liturgy, the couples gathered at the church boardroom for light refreshments and had a chance to meet one another. They received well wished comments, advice and words of encouragement from Fr.Zargarian and Mrs. Calabrina Boyajian.
St. Sarkis, the Captain, Patron of Youth and love Captain St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved saints among the Armenian nation. Together with his 14 soldiers-companions he was martyred for the sake of Christian faith.
In Armenia it is accepted to celebrate the Feast of St. Sarkis not only according to church rites and prayer, but also according to various folk traditions. St. Sarkis the Captain is the patron of youth. Many miracles happen thanks to his intercession. On the day of the feast young people pray the saint asking him to make their prayers audible to God. St. Sarkis is the realizer of the love longings.
Fast of Catechumens established by St. Gregory the Illuminator precedes the feast. On the eve of the feast, in the evening, young people eat salty cookies and relate the appearance of their future bride or bridegroom in their dream to eating of the salty cookie. Also, on the night preceding the feast of St. Sarkis the faithful people place a tray full of gruel before the door believing that while passing near their door at dawn St. Sarkis will leave his footprint on the gruel symbolizing the fulfillment of their dreams.
People in love present each other cards, flowers or sweets on the occasion of the feast
