FEAST OF SHOGHAKAT OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

This Saturday, August 17, is the Feast of Shoghakat of Holy Etchmiadzin that is always observed on the Saturday prior to the Feast of the Assumption. Shoghakat refers to the vision of the rays of light seen by St. Gregory when God chose the site for the Mother Cathedral. The feast is celebrated at the time of Assumption because the Cathedral in Etchmiadzin is named in honor of the Holy Mother, although through the years it became known as Etchmiadzin. The name of Shoghakat is related to St. Gregory the Illuminator’s vision; according to tradition, he had seen how “the divine light had shed” (shogh gatadz er).