Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County Hosts Annual Blessing of the Grapes Picnic Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County Hosts Annual Blessing of the Grapes Picnic- Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

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Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County Hosts Annual Blessing of the Grapes Picnic
Published - 13 August 2025

On Saturday, August 10, 2025, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County came together for a joyful and spiritually uplifting event, namely, the annual Blessing of the Grapes picnic. The celebration was graced by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, and Rev. Fr. Tatev Terteryan parish priest of the Ventura County Armenian Apostolic Church.

Under warm summer skies, parishioners and friends gathered to partake in one of the most beloved traditions of the Armenian Church — the Khaghoghorhnek (Blessing of the Grapes). This ancient ritual, held each year in August following the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, symbolizes the first fruits of the harvest offered to God in gratitude and hope for abundance in the year ahead.  The Assumption of the Holy Mother of God commemorates Mary’s bodily ascension into heaven, a testament to Mary’s holiness and her unique role in God’s plan of salvation.

After a prayerful service led by Serpazan Hayr and Der Tatev, fragrant clusters of fresh grapes were blessed filling the air with the sweetness of the season. The community then enjoyed a festive picnic filled with delicious Armenian food, music, dancing, bake sale, tavloo tournament, and laughter. 

In his address, Archbishop Derderian spoke about the enduring meaning of the Blessing of the Grapes, reminding the faithful that just as the grapes are transformed into wine for the Divine Liturgy, we too are called to be transformed — bearing fruits of kindness, service, peace, and love in our lives.

The day was not only a celebration of faith, but also a testament to the strength and unity of the Armenian community in Ventura County. The success of the picnic was made possible through the dedication of the Parish Council and Ladies Society and members of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County.

The Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County holds Church services on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month at One Church Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.