21/09/2026
On September 20, 2026, we celebrated Harissa Day with a warm community gathering at Arajnortaran, offering guests a taste of the traditional dish.
Harissa is a dish of thick porridge made with chicken or lamb, symbolising our shared heritage, survival, and community spirit. Its origins trace back to St Gregory the Illuminator, who, as legend says, ordered wheat to be added to pots cooking lamb so there would be enough food to distribute among the poor.
Harissa Day also commemorates the heroic defence and liberation of Musa Dagh, celebrating the courage, faith, unity, and resilience of the Armenian people. Bishop Hovakim Manukyan's ancestors are from Musa Dagh, and two years ago he made a pilgrimage to his grandparents’ birthplace. This event honours the heroes of Musa Dagh and passes their legacy on to future generations.
Harissa Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after the Feast of the Holy Cross, this year being observed on the 20th.
We thank Tanya Kebabjian from "Jakobs" restaurant for donating Harissa, Mr & Mrs Harutyun Kimetlian for their generosity, Anastasiia Shakhnazarian for making additional Harissa, and the staff of the Armenian Diocesan Centre for their warm hosting.
