The modern western Christian is sometimes mesmerized, inspired and captivated by the stories of bravery, faith and martyrdom of early Christians. As for the Armenian Christianity and the Armenian Church, this was the reality it lived in, worshiped and practiced its faith for most its existence. On August 20, 1659...

On August 18, 995 A.D. the devastating earthquake spread destruction and death in Balu and surrounding areas. Through the efforts of Catholicos Sarkis I of Sevan, the Armenian Church took an active part in rebuilding and bringing life back to the destroyed towns and villages. During this time, he also...

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 It is important to note that the harmony, unity and equality St. Paul describes is based on Christ alone. When we base...

On August 15, 1204 the First Council of Sis took place in Cilicia. The council examined the request of Prince Zakaria about the use of portable altars in the Armenian army for the celebration of Badarak. The council adopted eight canons mostly of liturgical nature, which allowed the following: Canon...

Faith is journey of life meant to be travelled with a friend. That friend can be our parish, a spiritual friend to share our life with or clergy we trust to guide us through the difficult passages of this journey. One of the early church fathers, St. Basil, reminds us...

At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, after the curtain has been closed for the first time, the deacon presents a tray of unleavened bread to the priest, including several small, round loaves called “nshkhar.” The priest blesses the bread, then selects one of the nshkhark, which he places on...