In Armenia, on January 26, the holiday of St. Sarkis, the Armenian “Lovers Day” is going to be celebrated. By the order of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin B, the day has been proclaimed as the day of blessing of the young people.

According to ancient tradition, the night before the holiday of St. Sarkis, young people eat salty cake before going to bed and they do not drink any water. Traditionally it is believed that the person who brings them water in their dream will be their future spouse in real life. There is another tradition on this day, mostly observed in the villages: a tray of fried wheat flour is put on the roof or on the balcony, waiting for the St. Sarkis’ horse hooves. According to legend, St. Sarkis flies over the houses with angels, and if in a tray with flour a mark of his white horse hooves (the symbol of purity and innocence) is left, then on that year the dream of lover who lives in that house will come true. On this day, lovers give each other cards, flowers and sweets.

On this day in the church bearing the name of St. Sarkis a liturgy will be served, after which will be the rite of blessing of the young people. The festive event will take place in Yerevan city Lovers’ Park (formerly the Children’s Park after Pushkin).