info@travel-armenia.org
Today, September 13, 2026, Armenia celebrates Khachverats — the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the most important religious holidays of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
In Armenian, the name Խաչվերաց (Khachverats) literally means “the raising of the Cross” or “the exaltation of the Cross.” It is the last of the five major feasts, known as Taghavar feasts, celebrated by the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Khachverats holds a special place in Armenia’s spiritual and cultural traditions and is celebrated every year on the Sunday between September 11 and 17.
The feast is dedicated to the Holy Cross and is associated with events that took place in the 7th century.
In 614, Persian forces captured Jerusalem and took away one of Christianity’s most sacred relics — the True Cross. Several years later, Byzantine Emperor Heraclius defeated the Persians and the Cross was returned.
According to Christian tradition, the return of the Cross was accompanied by solemn celebrations and religious services. The Cross was raised high so that the faithful could see and venerate it.
This tradition gave the feast its name — the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
On Khachverats, festive Divine Liturgies are held in Armenian churches throughout the country.
One of the most beautiful traditions associated with the feast is Andastan, a special ceremony during which the four corners of the world are blessed.
During the evening service, the Cross is decorated with basil and flowers. The clergy then perform a procession around the church and bless the four directions of the world, praying for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.
Basil has a special symbolic meaning in the Armenian church tradition and is closely associated with the fragrance and blessing of the Holy Cross.
After the service, worshippers traditionally take the blessed basil home with them.
For travelers, religious festivals in Armenia offer an opportunity to experience the country beyond its ancient monuments and architecture and to discover living traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
On important feast days, Armenia’s ancient churches and monasteries are not simply historical landmarks. They become places of worship filled with liturgies, spiritual chants and centuries-old rituals, with local families gathering to celebrate together.
Khachverats can be particularly atmospheric at Armenia’s historic churches and monasteries, including Echmiadzin, Geghard, Khor Virap, Sevanavank and many other active religious sites throughout the country.
Experiences like these reveal another side of Armenia — a country where history, faith, architecture and everyday life remain closely intertwined.
In Armenia, Khachverats is above all a celebration of faith, hope and spiritual strength.
May the light of the Holy Cross bring peace, faith and strength to all our hearts.
Շնորհավոր Խաչվերաց։
Happy Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross!