In the Church, With the Church, After the Church ... ~.

 

 

1. When you are attending the church service, let your apparel be appropriate and modest. Abstain from adornments and flashy clothing which are not suitable in a church atmosphere, where a spirit of concentration and meditation is required as a precondition to participate in a communal prayer.
2. As you enter the church, it is appropriate to cross yourself. It is also an age long Armenian tradition, just as it is customary in Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches too, to light a candle as a way of pla­cing yourself in a contemplative mood. The lighting of the candle is also a symbol of the sacrifice of the self and the radiance of Christian's love. Just as the-candle burns and is consumed to spread light, so must every Christian man and woman live to radiate love, light and warmth. It is a genuine Armenian custom of piety to light the candle in front of an anointed picture of a Saint, to pose for a moment and breathe a prayer of self-dedication and to prepare oneself spiritually to participate in the church service.
3. All movements in the church, such as sitting, rising, kneeling, bowing and walking should be done quietly and gracefully, with a thought­ful attitude. To talk, to attract others' attention, to disturb the concentra­tion of fellow worshippers with unnecessary motions are not permitted. When in the church, we should feel and make others feel that we are not in a common meeting hall, but in an environment which is sanctified by the presence of God. The church is a house of prayer, a place of dwelling for God and a place of penitence for men; in a word, it is a place of spiritual purification. Our Lord said: "My house shall be called a house of prayer." (Matt. 21:33.)
4. The congregation must participate softly in the singing of those parts of the Divine Liturgy sung by the choir. They should join in parti­cularly when some of the more frequent hymns (sharagans) are sung, without, however, disturbing the musical harmony which, by itself, induces an elevating atmosphere in the ritual of our church. That solemn atmosphere conducive to prayer, spiritual renewal and introspection should be maintained at all times. The solo parts of the Divine Liturgy should be listened to in perfect silence, using those moments for meditation and self-searching.
5. When the church service is over and the officiating priest pro­nounces the benediction of dismissal in these words: "Blessed be ye through the grace of the Holy Spirit and depart in peace, and may the Lord Jesus be with you all, Amen." the congregation should not rush out from their seats in disorder causing congestion. Each person should remain in place a moment longer with concentrated thoughts, should cross him­self or herself once again and after whispering a prayer of rededication should proceed out quietly, expressing the internal peace and happiness of knowing God and His Church.

 

WHEN TO RISE AND WHEN TO REMAIN SEATED DURING THE DIVINE LITURGY

It is always appropriate to stand.

RISE: p. 4 When the officiating priest enters vested, at the beginning of "Khorhourt khorin."

BE SEATED: p. 7 When the curtain is drawn and the choir sings the "Melody."

RISE: p. 11 When the curtain opens and the choir begins to sing the "Hymn of Procession" ("Tapori sharakan") and the priest comes out.

BE SEATED: p. 15 During the scriptural readings from the books of the Prophets and the Apostles.

RISE: p. 17 When the deacon chants "Alelluia" and the Gospel of the day is read. Orti means stand!

BE SEATED/KNEEL: p. 22 After 'the priest prays "The Lord God bless you all" ("Der asdvads orhnestse zamenesyan"),

RISE: p. 25 During the Elevation of the Chalice (Veraperoum) "Orhnyal yegyal anvamp dyarn..." Blessed is He who Comes...   and Words of Institution:

"Take, eat" ("Arek, gerek")  

''Drink ye" ("Arpek ee smane") ­

"Thou Son of God" ("Vorti Asdoodzo").

BE SEATED: p. 35 When the officiating priest says: "With whom mayest Thou visit us also" ("Unt vors yev rnez ayts arastses..").

RISE: p. 37 When the officiating priest makes remembrance of "And especially our Chief Bishop ... " ("Yevus'aravel ... "),

BE SEATED: p. 39 When the choir responds: "Amen, and with thy soul" ("Amen yev unt hokouyt koum").

RISE: p. 41 When the choir sings the Lord's Prayer/Our Father.                     ~/

KNEEL/STAND or YOU MAY BE SEATED : p. 42 After the ''For the holiness of the holy" ("Ee srpoutiun srpots...''),

RISE: p. 44 During the "Of the holy, holy precious Body and Blood" ("Ee sourp, ee sourp...").

BE SEATED/KNEEL: p. 44 During the supplication "Lord, have mercy" ("Der voghormia"). Remain with bowed heads as if in a kneeling position; or kneel if convenient.

RISE: p. 47 When the choir sings orhnyal eh Asdvads..." and  the curtain opens.

KNEEL/BE SEATED: p. 48 During confession.

RISE: p. 49 Holy Communion when the deacon says, "Yergyooghiv yev havadov.." In fear and in faith..."

BE SEATED: p. 50 When the choir begins to sing: "We are filled with Thy goodness" ("Ltsak ee paroutiants kots Der").

RISE: p. 52 When the curtain opens during the prayer "O Lord, Thou blessest those that bless Thee" ("Vor orhnes zaynosik").

RISE: During the Requiem "Hokehankist".

 

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