{"id":22592,"date":"2018-08-15T17:29:15","date_gmt":"2018-08-15T17:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=22592"},"modified":"2026-10-26T03:37:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T03:37:56","slug":"blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran\/","title":{"rendered":"Blessing of the Grapes in Tehran: Armenian Photo Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Tehran, Armenian Christians mark the <strong>Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God<\/strong> with worship and the traditional <strong>Blessing of the Grapes<\/strong>. This photo essay, first published in August 2018, records a church celebration, from the gathering of grapes to the liturgy and the people who attended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran\/#why-are-grapes-blessed\" >Why are grapes blessed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran\/#preparing-for-the-blessing-of-the-grapes\" >Preparing for the Blessing of the Grapes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran\/#clergy-and-the-assumption-liturgy\" >Clergy and the Assumption liturgy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran\/#the-congregation\" >The congregation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/blessing-grapes-ceremony-tehran\/#grapes-blessings-and-the-closing-moments\" >Grapes, blessings and the closing moments<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-are-grapes-blessed\"><\/span>Why are grapes blessed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Armenian Apostolic Church observes the Assumption on the Sunday closest to 15 August. After the Divine Liturgy, clergy traditionally bless grapes as a sign of gratitude for the harvest. The custom is part of the church\u2019s religious calendar, not a general harvest festival. For the liturgical background, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/stsarkis.org\/feast-of-the-assumption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Armenian Church\u2019s explanation of the feast<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.armenianchurch.org\/en\/news\/feast-day-of-the-assumption-of-the-holy-mother-of-god-verapokhum-2016\/3252\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin\u2019s account of the grape blessing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"preparing-for-the-blessing-of-the-grapes\"><\/span>Preparing for the Blessing of the Grapes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening photographs show grapes before the church service. The fruit is a central symbol of the blessing, which is performed after the liturgy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-16-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Two attendees reach toward grape clusters growing on a trellis in Tehran.\" class=\"wp-image-56431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-16-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-16-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-16-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-16-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-16.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Armenian church visitors gather grapes before the celebration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-17-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Ripe red grapes hanging from a vine against a wooden trellis.\" class=\"wp-image-56432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-17-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-17-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-17-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-17-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-17.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grapes on a vine, the fruit at the center of the blessing ritual.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"clergy-and-the-assumption-liturgy\"><\/span>Clergy and the Assumption liturgy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside the church, clergy lead prayers and readings as the congregation follows the service. The photographs document the setting and participants without attempting to identify individuals whose names were not recorded in the original captions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-18-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Two Armenian clergy members in ceremonial robes at the front of a church.\" class=\"wp-image-56433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-18-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-18-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-18-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-18-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-18.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clergy prepare for the liturgy inside the church.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-19-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"A senior clergyman in red vestments is greeted during the ceremony.\" class=\"wp-image-56434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-19-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-19-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-19-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-19-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-19.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A church official in ceremonial vestments meets attendees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"699\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-20-1024x699.jpg\" alt=\"Armenian bishop in ornate red vestments beside another priest.\" class=\"wp-image-56435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-20-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-20-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-20-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-20-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-20.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The bishop and a priest during the religious service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-21-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Clergy gather at a silver-colored church altar.\" class=\"wp-image-56436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-21-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-21-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-21-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-21-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-21.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clergy take part in the service at the altar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-22-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Clergy stand beside a decorated altar with candles and flowers.\" class=\"wp-image-56437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-22-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-22-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-22-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-22-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-22.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A moment from the ceremony near the church altar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-23-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Women in light-purple headscarves read from service booklets.\" class=\"wp-image-56438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-23-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-23-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-23-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-23-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-23.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Members of the congregation follow the liturgy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-24-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"A bishop stands before a decorated church altar.\" class=\"wp-image-56439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-24-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-24-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-24-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-24-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-24.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Assumption liturgy led by the bishop at the altar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-25-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Clergy lead a church service before seated worshippers.\" class=\"wp-image-56440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-25-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-25-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-25-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-25-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-25.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A wider view of the clergy and congregation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-26-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Woman reads from a booklet at a church lectern.\" class=\"wp-image-56441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-26-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-26-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-26-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-26-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-26.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A reader takes part in the service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"699\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-27-1024x699.jpg\" alt=\"Priest reads from a liturgical book beside a bishop.\" class=\"wp-image-56442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-27-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-27-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-27-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-27-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-27.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A priest reads aloud during the ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-28-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in a patterned headscarf reads a service booklet.\" class=\"wp-image-56443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-28-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-28-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-28-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-28-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-28.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A worshipper follows the liturgy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-29-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Priests and church assistants stand near the altar.\" class=\"wp-image-56444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-29-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-29-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-29-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-29-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-29.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Church officials and assistants during the service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-30-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"View toward the altar inside an Armenian church in Tehran.\" class=\"wp-image-56445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-30-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-30-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-30-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-30-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-30.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The church sanctuary during the celebration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-congregation\"><\/span>The congregation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next images focus on worshippers, readers and the church interior. They show the communal character of the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-31-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"A priest bends toward a woman near the front of the church.\" class=\"wp-image-56446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-31-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-31-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-31-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-31-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-31.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A worshipper approaches a priest during the service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-32-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"People stand and sit in wooden church pews.\" class=\"wp-image-56447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-32-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-32-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-32-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-32-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-32.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Congregation gathered for the feast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-33-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Congregation seated inside a light-filled Armenian church.\" class=\"wp-image-56448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-33-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-33-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-33-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-33-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-33.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the congregation from the side aisle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-34-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Central aisle of a church with worshippers and clergy at the altar.\" class=\"wp-image-56449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-34-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-34-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-34-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-34-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-34.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ceremony seen from the back of the church.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-35-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Worshippers face the altar inside the church.\" class=\"wp-image-56450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-35-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-35-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-35-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-35-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-35.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees watch the service from the pews.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-36-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Bishop and priest stand at an ornate altar.\" class=\"wp-image-56451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-36-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-36-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-36-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-36-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-36.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clergy continue the liturgy at the altar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Women stand in the pews during the Armenian church service.\" class=\"wp-image-56452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-37.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Members of the congregation stand together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"grapes-blessings-and-the-closing-moments\"><\/span>Grapes, blessings and the closing moments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final photographs return to the clergy and the grapes prepared for blessing, followed by a group portrait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-38-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Bishop in red vestments and priest in gold robes during a ritual.\" class=\"wp-image-56453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-38-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-38-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-38-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-38-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-38.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clergy take part in a later moment of the service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-39-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a woman in a floral scarf approaching a bishop.\" class=\"wp-image-56454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-39-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-39-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-39-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-39-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-39.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A participant approaches the bishop during the ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"699\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-40-1024x699.jpg\" alt=\"Purple and green grapes arranged on a tray before clergy.\" class=\"wp-image-56455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-40-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-40-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-40-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-40-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-40.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grapes are prepared for the traditional blessing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" title=\"In Pictures: Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony in Tehran\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-41-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"Group of clergy and church members pose together indoors.\" class=\"wp-image-56456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-41-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-41-780x533.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-41-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-41-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-41.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Church members and clergy gather for a group photograph.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photo credits:<\/strong> Javana Abdian and Jina Abdian \/ IRNA, as credited in the original SURFIRAN article. The exact venue and the photographers\u2019 preferred name spellings require archival confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more about Armenian heritage in the capital, read our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/saint-sarkis-cathedral-tehrans-armenian-heritage\/\">Saint Sarkis Cathedral in Tehran<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An archival photo essay of the Armenian Blessing of the Grapes in Tehran, with 26 images of clergy, worshippers and the traditional church ceremony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":22633,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[306,308,1],"tags":[289,317],"class_list":["post-22592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-destinations","category-tourism-iran","tag-religion","tag-tehran"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Blessing-of-the-Grapes-ceremony-in-Tehran.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22592"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22592\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}