By Gina Grillo,

Armenian spiritual and cultural identity was celebrated this weekend at the Armenian Fest at All Saints Apostolic Church of Glenview.

The primary purpose of the event is to honor the feast of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 12 with an outdoor church service and choir accompaniment that incorporates the traditional blessing of the grapes.

The three-day event drew an estimated 600 visitors for festivities that included ethnic dancing, live music, kids activities, food and a raffle.

“The event is all about family and family is at the center of our service throughout the year,” said the Rev. Father Ghevont Pentezian.

“The Feast of the Assumption is one of the five major feast days in our Liturgical Calendar and the Blessing of the Grapes is important to our community as it gives families in our community an opportunity to celebrate Armenian identity, tradition and culture,” Pentezian said.

“Historically, farmers in Armenia would bring the grapes and other vegetables of the harvest to the church to be blessed by the priest,” said Deacon Thomas Ohanian. “This has become symbolic part of our celebration today.”

Hagop Soulakian, board chair of the Apostolic Church Community Center, said that while the festival is centered around a religious event, it also provides an opportunity for the church community to see old friends, celebrate customs and participate in fellowship that connects generations.

“The weekend has an educational component as well,” said Pentezian. “To share the spiritual Feast of the Assumption, and our cultural pride through ethnic performances, food and a selection of Armenian publications and other cultural artifacts also on display.”

Also highlighted during the festival was one of the commemorative benches that will be part of an upcoming Sept. 9 dedication of six benches that were hand-crafted in Armenia and gifted to the city of Chicago.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glenview/ct-gla-armenian-fest-glenview-tl-0816-story.html