Armenian Religion

by: Maral Maljian

This Page consists of some information on Armenian Religion. It will cover in general elements of worship and doctrine of the Orthodox branch and the Catholic branch.

As I have stated in the page about the Armenian Language, Armenia became the first Christian Nation as of 301 A.D. During this time, King Dirtad III was ruling. He was cured from a disease by a Christian Monk named Gregory. Armenians more commonly know him as Krikor Lusavorich or Gregory the Illuminator. After this event, King Dirtad III accepted Christianity as Armenian's official state Religion. Before this event, two disciples brought Christianity over to Armenia: St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholemew. They were unsuccessful in their attempts though, to make Armenia a Christian nation.

Armenian Denominations

Over time the Armenian Christian Religion evolved and branched out into many other denominations. The most dominant one being Orthodox. I myself am an Armenian Catholic and I see many many similarities among the two branches. The differences are very slight and don't include major dilemmas of doctrine.

The hymms are identical. For example, you couldn't tell the difference if you were listening to the music of an Armenian Orthodox mass as opposed to the music of an Armenian Catholic mass. One very famous composer of Armenian Liturgical music is Gomidas Vartabed. His widespread "Soorp, Soorp" (Holy, Holy) or "Hayr Mer" (Our Father) can be heard at both these masses. The Creeds are similar also; both religions believe in the Nicene Creed. Both branches also believe in the Holy Consecration. This means they believe the bread and wine turn into the body and blood of Christ during mass or the badarak.

Clergy and Matrimony

Armenian Catholic priests and those of higher ordination cannot take on the sacrament of Matrimony. In contrast an Armenian Orthodox priest can take on the sacrament of Matrimony, but only before he becomes ordained. Any higher ranking religious figure must remain celibate. An Armenian single priest is called a "Vartabed" or "Hayr" and a married priest is called a "Der Hayr." A "Yeritzkeen" is a "Der Hayr's" wife. I hope I haven't confused anyone :)

Confession

The sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession is slightly different in both religions also. The Armenian Catholic way (like the Roman Catholic way) is to tell your personal sins to an ordained minister (a priest or higher) and recieve absolution. In contrast, in the Armenian Orthodox religion, Church members get absolution as a group before recieving the Eucharist. There is no one on one confession taking place. Personally, I prefer the Orthodox approach :)

I am not very familiar with Armenian Evangelical movements in history, but here is some information if you wish to find out more! Armenian Missonary Association of America

I know there are many other branches of the Armenian religion that i don't know much about. So please if you have some interesting information please email me:

maral@pegasus.rutgers.edu

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