Download a list of useful Armenian terms for your mission parish.

The hierarchy of the Armenian Church

• Catholicos of All Armenians and Supreme Patriarch, who resides in Holy Etchmiadzin
• Catholicos of Cilicia, who resides in Antelias, Lebanon
• Patriarch of Jerusalem, who resides in Jerusalem, Israel
• Patriarch of Constantinople, who resides in Istanbul, Turkey

Holy Orders

Major Orders

• (Arch)Bishop ((Ark)Yebiscopos)
• Priest (Kahana)
  • Celibate (Goosagron/Hayr Soorp
  • Married (Amoosnatsadz/Der Hayr)
• Deacon (Sargavak)

Minor Orders

• Sub-deacon (Gisasargavak)
• Chorister (Tbir)

The seven sacraments of the Armenian Church

• Baptism (Soorp Mrgrdootiun)
• Chrismation (Troshm)
• Divine Liturgy (Soorp Badarak)
• Marriage (Soorp Busag)
• Ordination (Tsernatrootiun)
• Penance (Khosdovanank)
• Last Anointing (Verchin Odzoom)

Vessels and vestments for the altar and the officiating priest

When a visiting priest celebrates the Divine Liturgy or the Sacraments, he may or may not bring the proper sacerdotal vestments.  It would therefore be advisable for the mission parish to acquire a complete set of vestments.  Any priest who visits a mission parish would be able to advise the local parish council about the liturgical garments that are necessary.

For the holy altar table, there are particular items, vessels, and linens that are required for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.  The following list of items is provided for the parish council in order that they may procure the necessary sacred vessels and altar linens for their mission parish community.

Vessels

• A Holy Cross -- free standing on a base to be placed at the center of the Altar Table.
• Chalice and Paten -- the sacred cup and metal disc to hold the wine and nushkhar that is offered during the Divine Liturgy.
• Candlesticks -- at least two will be placed on each side of the cross.
• Vemkar -- a square marble slab with five crosses inscribed on it (one at the center and one in each corner) that is covered with an altar linen and placed in front of the free-standing cross.  The chalice will be placed on this stone slap that has been anointed by the Bishop, thus authorizing the celebration of the Holy Badarak.
• Holy Gospels Book -- This is the liturgical text of the Holy Gospels printed in Armenian that are read during the Divine Liturgy.
• Hand Blessing Cross -- This is a small cross that is held by the priest in his hand while delivering the homily or when offering blessings.
• Vestments for the Liturgy -- The full set of vestments for a priest is necessary in order for him to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.  They are sewn from specially designed fabric brocade.  The set should include a white priest's alb or shabik that can be purchased in any religious goods store.
• Pix -- A small container in which the priest places the reserved sacrament.  This is the remaining Holy Communion that is not consumed and is held for administration to the sick and confirmed.
• Holy Bible -- Both the Armenian Church edition of the English Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible and the Modern Armenian Bible that is read during the Synaxis (Jashou) of the Divine Liturgy can be purchased from the Diocese's St. Vartan Bookstore.
• Khorhoortadedr -- This is the book of the priest's prayers of the Divine Liturgy from which he reads the prayers in the Classical Armenian.  It is placed to his right, propped up on a bookstand.
• Pourvar -- This is the Thurible or incense container used by the Deacon to incense the congregation during the Liturgy.
• Incense and Charcoal -- These are needed for the Pourvar.
• Icon of the Virgin Mary and Christ-child --  An image/picture of the Mother-of-God with the Christ-child in her arms should be appropriately displayed above the altar table, affixed to the wall behind it.

Linens

• Corporal -- A white, oblong linen to cover the Vemkar, approximately 24" by 12"
• Decorative Napkins -- These are decorative linens used by the priests when holding the Holy Gospels Book and when using the Hand Blessing Cross.  They may be made of various colors and fabrics.
• If a mission parish celebrates the Divine Liturgy in a church that has an altar, many of these items may be available to use.  However, it is advisable to check this out with the host parish priest or whoever is in charge

Download a list of useful Armenian terms for your mission parish.