Pilgrimages to the Sanctuaries of St. Stephen Protomartyr: Dates and Functions

Abstract Among the holy sites of Armenia, the monasteries, churches, and chapels bearing the name of St. Stephen Protomartyr hold a unique place, each associated with its own folk pilgrimage day. While the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates his feast on December 25th, the dates of popular pilgrimages often differ from the official ecclesiastical calendar. These pilgrimages are typically linked to traditional holidays such as Easter, Kanach – Karmir Kiraki (Green-Red Sunday), Ascension, and Vardavar. The study draws on data collected by the author during research conducted between 2016 and 2024, including insights gained through direct participation in many of these pilgrimages, as well as archival sources. This article presents the pilgrimage traditions to the holy sites of St. Stephen Protomartyr, focusing on their dates and functions.