The Feast of St. Sarkis in Tbilisi Began with Pilgrimage Procession

In the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain, his son Mardiros and his 14 soldiers-companions is always celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The feast is movable and is observed this year on January 31, while the festive spirit was already evident on the eve of the celebration. The Feast of St. Sarkis is one of the most unique celebrations of the Armenian Church, bringing together tens of thousands of young people, both Armenians and representatives of other nationalities, around the Armenian Church. This year was no exception.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, remaining faithful to the long-established tradition of the pilgrimage procession, Armenian youth of Tbilisi gathered in the courtyard of the St. Etchmiadzin Church in Avlabar. After receiving the blessing of the clergy, the procession of pilgrims, led by priests and accompanied by deacons and tbirs (clerk), set out bearing the icon of St. Sarkis and processional crosses toward the St. Sarkis Chapel, built in 1883 and located in the Kharpukh district.

The large procession, joined by the faithful of different ages, paused at the ruins of the once-standing Shamkhoretsots Karmir (Red) Gospel Church, now lying in ruins, where they prayed for the mercy of Almighty God.

Upon reaching the St. Sarkis Chapel, the participants of the procession lit candles and offered prayers in fulfillment of their vows. Having completed their pilgrimage, the faithful then proceeded to the Cathedral of St. George, where they joined hundreds of faithful, most of them young people, already gathered there.

In the crowded church, a pre-feast evening service was held. At the conclusion of the service, the clergy reflected on the meaning of the day, recalling the martyrdom of St. Sarkis the Captain, his son, and his fellow soldiers for the sake of Christianity.

St. Sarkis is also revered as the intercessor of love. Faithful to the spiritual traditions of the people, the feast is accompanied by folk customs, most notably the tradition of the salty flatbread. At the end of the pre-feast service, young people received pieces of salty flatbread, which, according to tradition, are associated with dreams revealing one’s future bride or groom.

By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain has been proclaimed the Day of the Blessing of Youth. The feast is marked by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

We would like to remind the faithful that tomorrow, January 31, at 11:00 a.m., a festive Divine Liturgy dedicated to the memory of St. Sarkis the Captain, his son Mardiros, and his 14 soldiers-companions will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. George. Following the Liturgy, the Service of the Blessing of Youth will take place.