St Sarkis Celebrates Pentecost with a Garden Festival
On the Feast of Pentecost, 24 May 2026, a special celebration took place in the gardens of London’s St Sarkis Armenian Church in Kensington after the Episcopal Divine Liturgy. Organised by St Sarkis Parish Council with the support of the ACYO “Avetis” London group, the festival brought the community together for a sunlit afternoon of joy, fellowship, and appreciation of Armenian food, music, and culture.
Festivalgoers enjoyed folk songs with the clergy, performances from Akhtamar APG and the talented Laura Avetisyan, Armenian DJ and music, and engaging in Kochari - traditional community dancing. Many homemade Armenian foods were on offer, including delicious kebabs and salads, Lahmajun, and other dishes, as well as an assortment of fresh cakes and pastries. Attendees were also treated to a range of market stalls from independent Armenian merchants, offering goods such as wines and handmade crafts.
The event was organised by the parish under the leadership of Bedros Aslanyan, together with an amazing, dedicated team of volunteers: Mourad Kasabian, Susan Hagopian, Shant Pourian, Rita Barseghian, Susan Dikran Khafadji, Meguerdich & Adam Pambakian, Anahid Filippossian, Zorik Gasparian, Lusine Linman, Hasmig Topalian, Vera & James Harland, Hiro & Rena Garabedian, Vahik & Anna Hovnatanian, Sossie Der Nersessian, Adam Khafadji, Arthur Aleksandraian, Mike Haladj-Asamian and DJ Vartan Ohanian. Everyone made the day a resounding success.
