The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, also known as the Blessing of the Grapes, is one of the five principal feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the oldest celebration dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This year, the feast will be observed on August 16.
The day following the feast, August 17, is traditionally observed as a Day of Remembrance for the Departed. On this occasion, churches hold the Divine Liturgy and memorial services, after which many people visit the graves of their loved ones to pay their respects.
Although the Armenian government has the authority to declare a working day a public holiday or move it to another date, no such decision has been adopted this year.
As a result, Monday, August 17, will remain a regular working day.
