The Supreme Spiritual Council is the highest executive body of the Armenian Church and is presided over by the Catholicos of All Armenians. In addition to the responsibilities of overseeing their respective Dioceses, each hierarchical See, and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, has a Monastic Brotherhood. James Jerome Conn (1991): Catholic Universities in the United States and Ecclesiastical Authority.Gregorian Biblical BookShop, Katarina Schuth (1999): Seminaries, Theologates, and the Future of Church Ministry. Please, be aware thatChurch canons dictate that women should cover their heads in church. The faithful kiss the Gospel and say to the Celebrant Priest Heeshetseh Der zamenayn badarakus ko (May the Lord remember all your sacrifices). WebThe custom for address depends on personal custom and custom in the abbey. Asa (Staff or Ferula)is a rod of wood shorter than the other staffs, with a metal knob on top. Do not sing however with the officiating Priest and the Deacon at the Altar, When offering baskets are being passed, know that your offering is for God and His Church, Ladies sleeved and non-revealing dress or blouse, respectable fitted clothes and skirt length with head covering, Gentlemen sleeved and collared shirt, long trousers, coat and tie is preferred withnohead covering, Turning off mobile phones before entering, Not chewing gum or bringing food or drinks into the Church, Not crossing legs while seated. Communicants should make their way before the Altar with contemplative reverence, Ladies should ensure their heads are covered and any lip colour removed. If not, follow the clergy or markings in the Liturgy books to know when it is appropriate to stand, sit or kneel. It is only a sign of Christian charity and spiritual kinship. Greeting: Asdvadz Oknagan (bless me), Srpazan Hayr/Hayr Sourp/Der Hayr as well as a bow to kiss his anointed hand. Hierarchy of Armenian Church Guregh Hambardzumyan returned to his new home following 40 days of seclusion. Other Patriarchs: His Beatitude the Patriarch of _____ Gr. Regionally, each area of the world where the Armenian Church and faithful are located has dioceses, which are led by a primate from the Diocesan headquarters. Nearing the end of the Divine Liturgy the holy bread or Mas is distributed among the congregation. A married priest is addressed as Der Hayr. The Council of Bishops is an administrative-deliberative body presided over by the Catholicos of All Armenians. Fr. Such a We at Armenian America, as part of the #ArmenianAmericanSpotlight series, sat down with Armenian priest Father Vazken Movsesian to speak on love, his decades-long movement work, and the spirit of faith. When a deacon or the priest swings the censer towards your direction. ", " , , , ", " . The Diocesan Assembly is the highest legislative (canonical) body of each Diocese and is headed by the Primate of the Diocese. www.armenianchurch.ca The Monastic Brotherhood consists of the celibate clergy of the monastery who are led by an abbot. Each person should remain in place a moment longer with concentrated thoughts, should cross himself or herself once again and after whispering a prayer of re-dedication should proceed out quietly, expressing the internal peace and happiness. "Armenian Church" redirects here. Sviatieishyi: Your All Holiness. Etiquette and Language SCOOCH Drijvers, and Walter Bauer dismiss the conversion of Abgar V[14] as fiction. In so doing, it reveals the divergent forms being practiced in Armenia, which have strong echoes of old East Syriac Rite. Note that the Armenian Apostolic Church should not be confused, however, with the Armenian Catholic Church whose Patriarch-Catholicos (of the Armenian Catholic Rite) is Raphal Bedros XXI Minassian,[38] which is an Eastern Catholic church in communion with the Holy See in Rome. The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia has been headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon, since 1930. WebTHE HIERARCHY OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH. TAKING MAHS (Holy Bread) At the end of the Divine Liturgy the Mahs or holy bread is distributed among the congregation. Hierarchy of Armenian Church The Armenian Apostolic Church is the central religious authority for the Armenian Orthodox population in Armenia as well as for Armenian Orthodox communities worldwide. The Great House of Cilicia operates one seminary, the Seminary of Antelias at Bikfaya, Lebanon. How to Address [54], In 2009, further constitutional amendments were drafted that would make it a crime for non-traditional religious groups to proselytize on adherents of the Apostolic Church. WebProcession of Armenian Priests. It regulates the inner administrative activity of the Diocese under the direction of the Primate. "[73], In independent Armenia, the Armenian Apostolic Church has often been criticized for its perceived support of the governments of Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan despite the formal separation of church and state in Armenia. This vestment symbolizes the spiritual defense of the soul against the attacks of the evil One. In 2015, Fr. Some priests (married or unmarried) and all bishops wear the same in silk, black on fast days and purple on other days. priest When you take your place, bow your head slightly, make the sign of the cross, and inaudibly say The Lords Prayer. You are now ready to participate in the service. According to Eusebius and Tertullian, Armenian Christians were persecuted by kings Axidares, Khosrov I, and Tiridates III, the last of whom was converted to Christianity by Gregory the Illuminator. The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of a few apostolic churches in the world to have a democratic system; the people decide if they want to keep priests in their churches and may ask for different ones, as do some other ecclesiastical constitutions, such as Baptists and other Congregational churches. The receiver answers Orhnyal eh haydnootyoonun Krisdosi (Blessed is the revelation of Christ). All army chaplains are commissioned officers in the armed forces who hold a military rank. You respond accordingly. [60] "Beyond its role as a religious institution, the Apostolic Church has traditionally been seen as the foundational core in the development of the Armenian national identity as God's uniquely chosen people. WebGreeting a Bishop or Priest Armenian. A ritualised greeting of peace and reconciliation is found in the Eucharist of all ancient churches and is known as the Salutation or Kiss of Peace. The Parish Assembly elects or appoints the members of the Parish Council and the representatives or delegates to the Diocesan Assembly. The crown is worn b y the Celebrant at certain times during the Liturgy. Upon graduation, students receive the equivalent of a high school diploma and pre-graduate theological study. The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem which has jurisdiction over all of the Holy Lands and the Diocese of Jordan, is led by Patriarch Archbishop Nourhan Manougian. The Mother Cathedral is open every day; Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday. Under the leadership and guidance of Karekin II, the Mother See administers social, cultural and educational programs for Armenia and the Diaspora. In Arabic, this is confused by ". Armenian WebArmenian rite, the system of liturgical practices and discipline observed by both the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church and the Armenian Catholics. Armenian America (AA): Where were you born, and where did you grow up? It is notable that surnames are never used except in extra-ecclesial matters or to specify a particular person where many share one Christian name or ordination name. Armenian The Armenian Apostolic Church currently has two Sees, with the Catholicos of All Armenians residing in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, having pre-eminent supremacy in all spiritual matters over the See of Cilicia, located in Antelias, Lebanon, which administers to the dioceses under its jurisdiction as they see fit. WebTHE HIERARCHY OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH. Sviatieishyi: Your All Holiness. [81], In recent years, a few high-profile leaders of the church have been involved in controversies. The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople had its own seminary, the Holy Cross Patriarchal Seminary, which was shut down by Turkish authorities in Turkey along with all other private schools of higher education. During the Divine Liturgy the direction to bow is always given by the Deacon with the words Asdoodzo yergir-bakestzook (Let us bow down to God). WebIf you have something to say to your priest, stand aside and wait until everybody has kissed the Gospel Book and then talk to your clergyman. religious minorities and human rights groups also expressed serious concern over the amendments, with human rights activist Stepan Danielian stating "the Armenian Apostolic Church today wants to have a monopoly on religion". However, the law did make processes available for other religious institutions to get approval from the government if they wished to worship within the Republic.[57]. After the Council, Catholicos Abraham wrote an encyclical letter addressed to the people, blaming Kurion and his adherents for the schism. The Armenian Apostolic Church is the central religious authority for the Armenian Orthodox population in Armenia as well as for Armenian Orthodox communities worldwide. The Army Chaplaincy Program of the Armenian Church is made up of more than 50 clergymen serving as military chaplains to the Armed Forces of Armenia. The right to wear the pectoral cross is granted by the Catholicos or the Patriarch, in recognition of long or distinguished service to the church. Forms of Addresses and Salutations for Orthodox Clergy Armenian rite Touch the forehead with the tips of three joined fingers saying: In the name of the Father , Next touch the middle of the chest, saying: and of the Son , Then touch first the left and then the right sides near the shoulders saying: and of the Holy Spirit , Finally, open your hand and put it on your heart, saying: Amen.. Lighting one candle has the same significance as lighting ten. The Church is an organized society. The United Kingdom has three Armenian churches: St Sarkis in Kensington, London; Saint Yeghiche in South Kensington, London; and Holy Trinity in Manchester. Hrant Bagratyan, former Prime Minister of Armenia, condemned the close association of the Armenian Apostolic Church with the Armenian government, calling the Church an "untouchable" organisation that is secretive of its income and expenditure.[56]. WebVESTMENTS WORN DURING DIVINE LITURGY In the Armenian Church, part of the physical preparation for the Divine Liturgy is vesting of the priest when he puts on vestments which show he is Gods special servant about to begin a sacred path. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan It shows the gladness of spirit with which the priest must approach the Lords Table. Panagiotate Vashe Sviaschenstvo. Many Armenian churches accompany their chants with pipe organs. He was convinced that God intended him to build the main Armenian church there. A married priest is addressed as Der Hayr. Armenian WebThe custom for address depends on personal custom and custom in the abbey. Led by Karekin II, the spiritual and administrative work of the Armenian Church is carried out in Armenia in the areas of religion, preparation of clergy, Christian education, construction of new churches, social services, and ecumenical activities. Your entrance into the church must be reverent and gentle. After the fall of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia in 1375, the Church kept its leadership role and the Catholicos was recognized as Ethnarch (Head of Nation). It is worn by priests while attending any service. He called the church an "untouchable" organization that is secretive of its income and expenditure. The seat of the Church was first established in Sivas (AD 1058) moving to Tavbloor (1062), then to Dzamendav (1066), Dzovk (1116), Hromgla (1149), and finally to Sis (1293), capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, which would become the center of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia for more than six centuries. Forms of Addresses and Salutations for Orthodox Clergy The major difference between U.S. practice and that in several other English-speaking countries is the form of address for archbishops and bishops. [84] The statement received considerable criticism,[85] though Asoghik did not retract his statement. Guregh Hambardzumyan returned to his new home following 40 days of seclusion. When in the 1740s, Abraham-Pierre I Ardzivian, who had earlier become a Catholic, was elected as the patriarch of Sis, he led part of the Armenian Apostolic Church into full communion with the Pope and the Armenian Catholic Church was created. According to The Armenian Church by Archdeacon Dowling published in 1910, the Armenian Apostolic Church is composed of four patriarchal provinces, seventy-two, six, and two dioceses in Turkey, Russia, and Iran, respectively.[35]. Since 2012, Fr. Taking Mas does not mean taking Holy Communion. It was the first canonization by the Armenian Apostolic Church in four hundred years.[52]. Since 2012, Fr. It is presided over by the spiritual pastor of the community who takes up the inner administrative affairs of the parish and is engaged in the realization of its administrative and financial activities. Ego Blazhenstvo: Your Beatitude, Makariotate Making the sign of the cross is repeated often in the Armenian Church, as it is in all the Eastern Churches. Veghar symbolizes humility and the denial of the world. Vestments and Vesting One of the devotional practices of the Armenian Church is the beautiful custom of burning candles in front of the holy pictures. Name: A bishop is addressed at Srpazan Hayr. Therefore the critical attitude regarding Armenian historical institutions is rarely applied to the Armenian Church, as it is seen as a venerable institution that unites all Armenians. When the service is over, the officiating clergy holds the Gospel Book or a cross. How to Address Crossing oneself with three fingers signifies blessing oneself in the name of the Holy Trinity. Post-nominals that indicate academic degree or membership in a religious order are usually included. Upon his return, Gregory tore down shrines to idols, built churches and monasteries, and ordained many priests and bishops. Preserving the past are the numerous museums, libraries and the Mother Cathedral itself, in which many historically and monetarily precious items are contained. Such a Just as the candle burns and is consumed to spread light, so must every Christian man and women live to radiate love, light and warmth. Mesrop and Ani were blessed with their first child, Maneh. Armenians. This persecution was highly criticized by the Armenian clergy, forcing Hovhannes-Smbat to release Petros and reinstall him to his former position. It is the sacred symbol of Christ and the holy emblem of the Christian religion as a whole. [79] Large-scale construction of new churches in the independence period[80] and the negligence of endangered historic churches by the Apostolic church (and the government) have also been criticized. However, if for one reason or another you have been delayed, it is better to arrive a little late than not to attend at all. www.armenianprelacy.org How did your Armenian identity shape you into the person Usually three tassels are attached to the lower end and it is worn with theKhouyr(Mitre). , ", "No Separation of Church and State in Armenia?". Hence comes the name "Etchmiadzin", which translates literally to "the place" where Miatsin descended. Ego Blazhenstvo: Your Beatitude, Makariotate Clergy Etiquette It is wrapped round the shoulders with buttons and loops in such a way that one end hangs in front down to the ankles, and the other end hangs at the back again down to the ankles. The Armenian presence in Palestine and Israel is primarily found in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. During the First World War and the 1915 Armenian genocide, the Armenian population and the home of the Catholicosate at the Monastery of St. Sophia of Sis (which can be seen to dominate the town in early 20th-century photographs), were destroyed. Tonsured persons without a title: "Brother". [citation needed]. WebOn Sunday, May 23, Rev. A married priest is addressed as Der Hayr. When kissing the Gospel and leaving the church. Other Patriarchs: His Beatitude the Patriarch of _____ Gr. The Armenian Church does not ordain women to the priesthood. Mesrop has served as the Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco, a richly diverse parish which is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary. Kodi (Zone or Cincture)is a band of about two or three inches wide and long enough to go round the waist. Web- YouTube 0:00 / 4:44 AC101 Episode 17 - How to Greet Priests? Thaddaeus was then commissioned by Abgar to proselytize throughout Armenia, where he converted King Sanatruk's daughter, who was eventually martyred alongside Thaddeus when Sanatruk later fell into apostasy. (Doctor of Divinity) placed after their name, where justified by their possession of such degree. Your departure from church should be as reverent and as orderly as your entrance. WebArmenian rite, the system of liturgical practices and discipline observed by both the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church and the Armenian Catholics. The celebration of Armenian Christmas on January 6, the original date, contrasts with the more common celebration of Christmas on December 25, originally a Western Christian tradition, which Armenia briefly adopted before reverting to its original practice. Article 8.1 of the Constitution of Armenia states: "The Republic of Armenia recognizes the exclusive historical mission of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church as a national church, in the spiritual life, development of the national culture and preservation of the national identity of the people of Armenia." Since 2012, Fr. It is custom to take a small portion of Mas home to those members of the family who were desirous to come to church but were unable to do so. [29][30] Whereas the prefix "mono-" (< Greek - < ) means "single, alone, only",[31][32] thus emphasising the singular nature of Christ, "mia" ( "one" FEM),[33] simply means "one" unemphatically, and allows for a compound nature. It is headed by a Catholicos (the plural is Catholicoi ). Ardakhoorag (Infulae or Fanons)are lappets three inches wide and twelve to fourteen inches long, which are hung from the lower edge of theVagasabout six inches away from the center on either side. WebWhen we address Deacons or Priests, we should use the title Father. Bishops we address as Your Grace. Though all Bishops (including Patriarchs) are equal in the Church, they do have different administrative duties and honors that accrue to However, the Armenian Church, due to the influence of the Church in Edessa, the large presence of Syriacs in Armenia, as well as the number of Syriac priests that arrived in Armenia with Gregory, also cultivated the West Syriac Rite (Antiochian Rite). WebVESTMENTS WORN DURING DIVINE LITURGY In the Armenian Church, part of the physical preparation for the Divine Liturgy is vesting of the priest when he puts on vestments which show he is Gods special servant about to begin a sacred path. The Church is an organized society. Emiporon (Palllium)is worn as part of the vestment of the Divine Liturgy.