Fr. Barouyr Shernezian The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church places the holy resurrection of Jesus Christ at the very center of its faith and teachings. This fundamental belief shapes not only our theology but also our worship, our art, and our daily spiritual practice. For this reason, in Armenian Church tradition, whether in our sacred spaces or liturgical life, we never depict Jesus on the cross. The crosses used in our liturgical services and adorning our churches a

V. Rev. Fr. Bsag Tepirjian Every year on February 14, according to the Armenian liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (in Arm. Տեառնընդառաջ / Teaṙnəndaṙaǰ ) is celebrated. On this occasion, we are invited to meditate on both sacred art and liturgical practice and to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence among us.   1.     Armenian Iconography of The Presentation In the Armenian manuscript tradition of the 11th to 15th centuries (cf

Deacon Garo Balian Have you made any resolutions this year? If you did, are you still holding onto them? Every year, as we enter a new year, we make promises to ourselves. We set goals, dreams, and visions that we want to accomplish. We tell ourselves that this will be the year we change, no matter how hard it gets, no matter what obstacles come. Some of us say, “I will work out every day.” Some say, “I will eat healthier.” Others promise to help people more, go to church

This is a general explanation of a priestly vocation

Faith isn't enough

Deacon Garo Balian Two thousand years ago, in the early days of the Church, a serious challenge arose. The Church in Jerusalem was...

Deacon Garo Balian Jerusalem Armenian Church “Why should I go to church? I can pray on my couch. I can kneel in my room and talk to God....

Deacon Garo Balian Recently, a parishioner at my church approached me with a sincere and thoughtful question: "Why do women need to...

Right Reverend Fr. Barouyr Shernezian As members of the Armenian Orthodox Church, we often encounter people who are concerned about our...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian T'oros Roslin Gospels, The holy women at the sepulchre, Walters Manuscript W.539, fol. 128r From the Gospel...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian   In the teaching of the Christian Church, the Harrowing of Hell—also known as the Descent of Christ into...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian  Jesus' Entombment (source: kilikia.weenly.com ) The painter has masterfully woven together the sacred events...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian Jesus' Crucifixion, Armenian Miniature. (Source: Kilikia.weebly.com ) Holy Scripture unveils the Crucifixion with...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian T'oros Roslin Gospels, Judas leads the multitude, Walters Manuscript W.539 In the Old Testament, the Prophet...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian   Holy Thursday has yet another story about the washing of the disciples' feet, which took place during Christ’s...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian Last Supper of Christ, miniature from the ca 1300 Gladzor Gospels (Los Angeles, Charles E. Young Research Library,...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian Jesus and the Fig Tree - Illustration by Toros Roslin (1262) During the Great and Holy Monday, Tuesday, and...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian After Lazarus’ return to the living, the Gospel narrative continues, noting that on the next day, crowds of people...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian Saghmosavank - photo by Hrair Hawk We are now in the liturgical season of Great Lent- Medz Bahk. This is the forty...

Fr. Garabed Kochakian From the Gospel of Luke, we read of the Dominical Feast of Christ’s Presentation to the Temple. Lord, now let your...