Armenian Church marks Tiarn'ndaraj February 14
On February 14, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple known as Tyarnundarach or Tiarn'ndaraj. It relays the idea of going forward (-undarach) to see the Lord (Tyarn-).
Tiarn'ndaraj, or Candlemas as it is known in the West, symbolizes the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child to the Temple in Jerusalem.
In the tradition of the Church, Evening Services (Nakhatonak) are conducted on the night preceding the Feast Day. At the conclusion of the service, the priest lights a candle from the Holy Altar, and distributes the flame to all present. With great care, the faithful take the lit candles home to their families.
Under the auspices of the Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, Tiarn'ndaraj has been announced the day of blessing the newly-weds.
This day newly-weds and loving couples jump over the fire and receive congratulations and blessing from relatives and friends. The ceremony is followed by traditional songs and dances around the fire.
The morning of the Feast Day, Divine Liturgy is celebrated in Armenian Churches throughout the world.
