Religion: Local Armenian churches celebrate blessing of the grapes

Emil Lazarian 2017
ABC30 – Fresno

Aug 14 2017
Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) —

The tradition is honored across the world where parishioners ask God to bless and protect this year's crops.

Dozens came out to celebrate at the California Armenian home, where attendees enjoyed traditional Armenian food and music.

Video at 

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS