Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross will be celebrated on September 17

From September 11 to 17, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khatchverats), the main feast of the Holy Cross and one of the five feasts of the church.

The feast is dedicated to the history of the return of the Holy Cross from imprisonment, its elevation and glorification.

On the eve of Khachverats, women make pastries, men slaughter ul (kid) and prepare gorovi. The holiday is also called Ulnots. Grilled ul is called “khrovu”, and groat pilaf soaked in ul fat is called “kashkak”.

According to folk tradition, meat of ul and groat pilaf are the special food of that day, without which the holiday cannot be complete.

Among other dishes dedicated to the holiday are mshosh, ghapama, gata, and lentil soup.

On the Feast the Exaltation Feast of the Cross, a solemn ceremony of raising the cross is held in all churches. After the ceremony, the evening service begins.