The Armenian community in Beirut is celebrating Saint Vartan’s day this Thursday.

Armenians in Lebanon are known for their attachment to their culture, and this day is a much awaited holiday due to its symbolic significance.

“Saint Vartan Mamikonian was the leader of a battle against Persians in 451 AD in Avarayr Plain, which is now located in Iran. The goal of the battle was to force Armenians to become Zoroastrian instead of Christian,” said the historian Ara Gosdanian. “Although Armenians lost the battle, the Persians agreed on allowing them to keep Christianity as their religion and gave them permission to practice it freely.”

All Armenian institutes, schools, and universities located all around Lebanon will be closed on this day. Shops located in areas with a rather large Armenian community, such as Bourj Hamoud, are closed on Thursday. Masses will also be held in various churches, in order to honor the martyrs.

Schools are celebrating this historical day by teaching the children songs, and stories that are related. “In my opinion, it is very important to tell our students about this historical event, since this battle is the reason why Armenians are Christian to this date. Although they the lost battle, it is considered to be a moral victory,” said Nelly Vekilian, principle of Khanamirian College, and a member of the municipality of Bourj Hamoud.