SERVICES

For almost 2,000 years, the Armenian Church has grown in the mystery of the Gospel as the person of Jesus Christ, the “Good News” who can be known, loved, and celebrated. Tradition tells us that among the twelve Apostles, Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholomew brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Armenia.

COME AND PARTICIPATE IN THE SACRAMENTS
OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Following the evangelistic efforts of these “First Illuminators,” the faith in Armenia grew due to the early presence of other Christians. Eventually it was the evangelization efforts of St. Gregory the Illuminator that established Christianity as the official religion of Armenia around the year 301 with the baptizing of King Drtad, the royal household, and the princely families. Prior to being chosen as the first Catholicos, St. Gregory had a vision where he saw Christ descend and strike the earth with a golden hammer. It was on that very place St. Gregory had the mother cathedral built and named after the Mother of God. The site was named “Etchmiadzin,” meaning “descent of the Only-Begotten,” referring to Christ as the Son of God.

Over the past two thousand years, the Church fathers have provided countless interpretations of the Christian identity. One simple explanation would be sufficient in describing the Christian identity. The true Christians are those who follow Christ and His life and attain in their spirituality the sacraments of the Church.

BAPTISM (MGRDOOTIUN)

It was Christ's will and commandment that we be born of the water and the spirit so that we might enter into the presence of God and His Kingdom.

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CHRISMATION

(TROSHM-GNOONK)

Like water, oil is an essential religious symbol, one of healing, light, reconciliation, and peace.

PENANCE (ABASHKHAROOTIUN)

The history of this sacrament is long and complex. It begins, of course, with Jesus Christ. Christ gave power to the holy apostles to bind and loose sins.

COMMUNION (HAGHORTOOTIUN)

Holy Communion is the purpose and reason Christians gather together to celebrate the mystery of Christ's presence in the world.

MARRIAGE (SOORP BUSAG)

From as early as the 4th century, a rite of crowning for newly-married couples is mentioned by the early Christian writers.

ORDINATION (YEGEGHETSAGAN ASDIJAN)

In the Church, there is a three-fold ministry or rank of clergymen. The three orders of clergy are deacon, priest, and bishop.

FUNERAL

All rites and rituals must be carried out according to the Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church and are subject to the approval of the Pastor.

HOURS

SUNDAY SERVICES

Every Sunday starting at 10:15 A.M.

ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR