DEARUNDARAJ

Feast of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

This Sunday we celebrate Dearundaraj, literally “the bringing forward of the Lord.” The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple is always 40 days after Armenian Christmas. Other names for the feast include Derendas.

The Armenian Church has an age-old custom of lighting bonfires on this feast.

This Sunday, following Badarak we will proceed outside where a traditional bonfire lighting ceremony will take place, with participants gathering around, dancing, jumping over the fire.