Date
Friday
Feb
28

February 28

Feast of Saint Vartan

Honour bravery and faith on the Feast of Saint Vartan. A day to remember a heroic saint who defended his religious freedom fearlessly.

Type
Day
Category
Religious
Country
Armenia

Introduction

Prepare to honor bravery and faith on the Feast of Saint Vartan, celebrated every year on February 28. This day is dedicated to Saint Vartan Mamikonian, a revered figure in Armenian history who fearlessly fought for religious freedom in the Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD. The feast has been commemorated for centuries and is considered a significant event in the liturgical calendar of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Feast of Saint Vartan is not only a celebration of his courage but also a time to reflect and reaffirm the value of spiritual freedom and resilience. It's a day of rich history and tradition, exuding enthusiasm and reverence. So, let's lift our spirits and pay tribute to the legendary Saint Vartan!

Feast of Saint Vartan Timeline

451
Battle of Avarayr
Saint Vartan Mamikonian leads the Armenian army in the Battle of Avarayr against Sassanid Persia to defend religious freedom.
484
Religious Freedom Secured
The Treaty of Nvarsak is established, granting Armenians the right to openly practice their Christian faith following their courageous resistance.
506
Canonization of Vartan
Vartan Mamikonian is canonized as a saint by the Armenian Apostolic Church for his relentless fight for religious sovereignty.
1400s
Feast Day Established
The Feast of Saint Vartan is introduced into the liturgical calendar of the Armenian Apostolic Church to honor his bravery and sacrifice.
1900s
Global Commemorations
Armenian diaspora worldwide begin observing the Feast of Saint Vartan, making it an international celebration of Armenian faith and resilience.

How to Celebrate Feast of Saint Vartan

1

Attend a traditional Armenian Church service

Enhance your understanding of the Feast of Saint Vartan by attending a service at an Armenian Apostolic Church. Listen to the hymns, participate in the prayers, and immerse yourself in this profound religious experience.

2

Read about Saint Vartan's life Story

Get a copy of historical texts recounting the bravery of Saint Vartan. Read about his life, his remarkable courage in the Battle of Avarayr and learn more about his deep commitment to religious freedom.

3

Cook Armenian Cuisine

Use this day as an opportunity to explore Armenian cuisine. Make some traditional dishes like Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) or Lavash (flatbread) to share with your family and friends.

4

Participate in an Armenian cultural event

Many communities organize cultural events to commemorate this day. Attend these events, which may include traditional Armenian music and dance performances, arts and crafts exhibitions, and historical presentations.

5

Contribute to an Armenian charity

In honor of Saint Vartan's noble deeds, make a donation or volunteer your time to a charity helping Armenians in need. This could be a local organization in your area or an international one that supports education, health, or poverty alleviation in Armenia.

Why Feast of Saint Vartan is Important

A

We honor religious freedom

The Feast of Saint Vartan reminds us of the significance of religious liberty. On this day, we commemorate Saint Vartan Mamikonian's bravery, who stood up against forces threatening his faith. His courage serves as a source of inspiration to all those defending their spiritual independence today.

B

It deepens our connection with Armenian heritage

The Feast of Saint Vartan is an excellent opportunity to explore the rich Armenian culture and history. From learning about Saint Vartan's life through historical texts to exploring the flavorful Armenian cuisine, attending traditional events, and even giving back to the Armenian community, this feast day brings us closer to the Armenian heritage.

C

It promotes unity and faith

The Feast of Saint Vartan serves as a day of unity for Armenians worldwide. It brings people together to celebrate and remember their shared history, instilling a sense of community. By standing together in faith, we honor Saint Vartan's resilience, courage, and unwavering belief that are still relevant to our lives today.