Vakıflı, the only Armenian village in the Samandağ district of Western Armenia, hosted the traditional celebration dedicated to the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.

The Divine Liturgy held at the Holy Mother of God Church in Vakıflı was presided over by Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Sahak II Mashalian and Spiritual Overseer of the Armenian Communities of Anatolia Avedis Tabashian. Armenians from various communities in Armenia and abroad attended the ceremony.

During the Divine Liturgy, hymns were sung, and the faithful prayed and lit candles. In his sermon, Sahak II Mashalian emphasized the importance of preserving Armenian culture and traditions in Vakıflı, noting that the village continues to be an important center for the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage.

Following the Divine Liturgy, blessed bread was distributed to the community. The traditional festive gathering continued in the church courtyard: harissa was prepared, a blessing prayer was offered, and freshly harvested grapes and harissa were then distributed among members of the community.

The celebration once again highlighted the continuous efforts of Vakıflı’s Armenian community to preserve its spiritual, cultural, and traditional heritage.