In St. Mary’s Footsteps: A Celebration Of Faith, Motherhood, And Devotion

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, the fourth of the five major Tabernacle Feasts on the Armenian Church calendar. The feast was observed throughout the Western Diocese with profound spiritual joy and devotion.

At St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, who also delivered the homily, reflecting on the life, humility, and spiritual strength of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In his homily, Archbishop Derderian emphasized Mary’s humble and gracious response to God’s call, noting that, chosen by Almighty God, she accepted her sacred calling with courage and unwavering faith. “As we contemplate the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are moved deep within our hearts to follow in her footsteps,” the Archbishop said. “Chosen by Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary responded to His call with courage and spiritual strength, accepting the sacred calling to bear within her the Only-Begotten Son, who became the Light of the World.”

He described Mary as a devoted mother who rejected a life centered on materialism and instead dedicated herself to spiritual values, becoming the Mother of God and remaining faithfully beside her Son throughout His earthly ministry, even sharing in His suffering.

Turning his message especially to mothers, the Primate called upon them to look to the Holy Mother of God as the true model of Christian motherhood. “Beloved mothers, your motherhood reflects that of the Holy Mother of God,” he said. “Through empathy and compassion, you, too, share in the joys, pain, and sufferings of your children.”

Archbishop Derderian encouraged mothers to welcome the Blessed Virgin Mary into their spiritual lives and to raise their children in faith, reminding them that each mother is an “Astvadzadzin”—a Mother of God—in her own family. “Live your lives with faith, and raise and educate your children in the spirit exemplified by the Holy Mother of God,” he urged. “Her life is a golden bridge between heaven and earth.”

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful participated in the traditional Blessing of the Grapes ceremony, one of the most beloved customs associated with the Feast of the Assumption. The blessing expresses gratitude to God for the fruits of the earth and symbolizes the offering of the first fruits of creation to the Creator. In the Armenian Apostolic tradition, the ceremony also beautifully connects the Feast of the Assumption with the spiritual renewal and abundance that come through God’s grace. The blessed grapes were then distributed among the faithful, allowing the congregation to share in this cherished expression of faith and thanksgiving.

As the celebration concluded, the faithful departed with the blessing of the Primate and a renewed appreciation for the example of the Holy Mother of God.

Reflecting on Mary’s life, Archbishop Derderian encouraged the faithful to draw closer to her humility, faith, and devotion: “Open your hearts and allow the Blessed Virgin Mary to become part of your spiritual life. Remember that each and every one of you is an Astvadzadzin— a Mother of God—in your own family.” He concluded with a call to make Mary a spiritual model for daily life: “Humble yourselves before her, and strive to make St. Mary the mirror of your souls.”