Before the Badarak Begins: We Prepare Ourselves
We prepare ourselves for the Divine Liturgy both physically and spiritually.
The custom of the Armenian Church is to fast from all food and drink from
the time we wake up on Sunday morning until we have received Holy Communion.
Fasting helps us to focus our minds and hearts on the spiritual nourishment
we will receive in Holy Communion. Exceptions are made, of course,
for those who, for health reasons, must eat in the morning. They may
have a light breakfast and still come forward for Holy Communion.
Spiritual preparation for the Badarak is by means of prayer. To participate
fully in the Divine Liturgy, one should devote at least fifteen minutes
of quiet time with God either on Saturday night, or on Sunday morning.
This quiet time serves to help us focus on the great mystery of being with
God. It can include reading of, and meditation on relevant passages
from the Bible, or prayer and reflection.
As we shall see, the Badarak is a procedure with a beginning, a middle,
and an end. Therefore, it is very important to arrive in Church at
least five minutes before the Divine Liturgy begins, and to remain attentive
until the end. When we enter the Church, we make the sign of the Cross,
take a place -- preferably not in the rear pews -- and standing, recite
the Lord's Prayer. Then we may be seated in silence until the celebrant
and servers enter the church.
>> The priest prepares himself
