FIRST TIME IN AN ARMENIAN CHURCH?

We welcome you to the St. Peter Armenian Church & Youth Ministries’ Center. We are a Christian Church proclaiming truths set forth in the Apostolic and Nicene Creeds. We believe…

• There is one God, the creator of the universe a nd mankind;
• God is revealed to us in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit;
• Jesus Christ was perfect God and perfect man. He was crucified, buried and resurrected. He ascended into heaven realizing the reunion of mankind in God;
• The Holy Spirit, descended, revived the Apostles and organized the Church. The Holy Spirit resides in the mystical body of Christ: the Church;
• The reunion of man in God is possible through Jesus Christ and the graces of the Holy Spirit.
• Love is the highest ideal. We are called to live a life we touch others with love in our hearts.

The proper name for our Church is: Hayastanyatz Yegeghetzi – that is, the Church of the people of Armenian. Armenia is a country at the base of the biblical mountain, Mt. Ararat, the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

A more descriptive title for our Church is The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church. We are Apostolic because two of Christ’s Apostles came to Armenian in the 1st century and established the Church. Today, the Armenian Church continues the mission of the Apostles in the same apostolic manner. We are Orthodox in that we are on the “correct” or “straight” path. In our attempt to be Christlike the Armenian Church offers its members the sacraments, among them are: Holy Baptism, Holy Matrimony and Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is perhaps the most common, being offered every Sunday during the liturgy.

The Holy Divine Liturgy (the Sunday Service) is a sacrament which was instituted by Jesus Christ Himself at the Last Supper. We invite you to follow along with the Divine Liturgy books available as you enter the sanctuary.

The Divine Liturgy culminates when the congregation members come forward to partake in the Holy Communion, which is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. As our Lord instructs us, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him,” (Jn. 6:56)

You will notice many symbols including pictures, crosses, candles, etc. these are reminders for us and are tangible means by which we understand the mystery of the Divine Realm. The cross reminds us of suffering and victory, as Christ was victorious over the cross. Candles remind us that Christ is the Light of the World, without God we live in darkness. The smoke from the incense reminds us that our prayers are offered to our Father in Heaven and must always be directed up.

Likewise, the pictures of the Saints are merely reminders of what lives lived for others and through love. We do not worship saints.

You will find the Armenian Church rich in her rituals and practices. We invite you to direct your questions to our priest, Fr. Vazken Movsesian, and also to participate in our educational programs throughout the week. Find us on the web at InHisShoes.org

WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.