On February 14, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — the day of bringing the 40-day-old infant Jesus to the temple. The celebrations began on the evening of February 13.

On the occasion of the feast, His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, accompanied by a solemn church procession, went to the Cathedral, where he led the evening service and the festive liturgy.

This was followed by the first Andastan rite of the year, during which the four cardinal directions were blessed.

Afterwards, His Holiness passed the Light of Life, symbolizing Jesus Christ, to the faithful from a candle lit from the Lamp of the Holy Throne of the Cathedral of the Descent.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the church procession moved to the Cathedral courtyard, where, in the presence of numerous worshippers, the Feast of the Presentation bonfire was lit. The Catholicos also distributed crosses to the faithful.

His Holiness Karekin II declared the Feast of the Presentation a day of blessing for newlyweds. Accordingly, on February 14, after the Holy Liturgy, a blessing ceremony for newlyweds will be performed in the Cathedral and all churches.

Following ancient tradition, newlyweds are expected to jump over the bonfire on this day.