Mkhitar Sebastatsi was born in 1676 in Armenia to a prosperous merchant family. From a young age, he felt called to a monastic life but his parents refused permission. He eventually joined the nearby Holy Cross Monastery at age 15 and changed his name to Mekhitar. After joining, he saw that monastic life in Armenia was in a poor state and sought to improve it through theological study, believing Rome could provide the best education. He traveled to Aleppo to seek guidance from Jesuits and determined to travel to Rome's Propaganda congregation but faced many rejections and health setbacks along the way.
Harissa is a thick porridge traditionally made in Armenia from cracked wheat and meat like chicken or lamb that has been slowly cooked for a long period of time. It is considered an important part of Armenian culture and helped Armenians survive difficult times. Harissa is also consumed in other countries like Lebanon, Iraq, India, and is prepared during winter or religious occasions.
Mkhitar Sebastatsi was born in 1676 in Armenia to a prosperous merchant family. From a young age, he felt called to a monastic life but his parents refused permission. He eventually joined the nearby Holy Cross Monastery at age 15 and changed his name to Mekhitar. After joining, he saw that monastic life in Armenia was in a poor state and sought to improve it through theological study, believing Rome could provide the best education. He traveled to Aleppo to seek guidance from Jesuits and determined to travel to Rome's Propaganda congregation but faced many rejections and health setbacks along the way.
Harissa is a thick porridge traditionally made in Armenia from cracked wheat and meat like chicken or lamb that has been slowly cooked for a long period of time. It is considered an important part of Armenian culture and helped Armenians survive difficult times. Harissa is also consumed in other countries like Lebanon, Iraq, India, and is prepared during winter or religious occasions.