RESPONSES IN CHURCH
The Procession
As the priest makes his way around the church, the faithful come up to him, kiss the cross and say,
Heeshescheer yev zees arachee anmah karn-un Asdoodzo
[Remember me, too, before the immortal Lamb of God].
This is an acknowledgment that during the Divine Liturgy we encounter "the Lamb of God," Jesus Christ himself. The people ask that the priest pray for them in the presence of Jesus.
On Departing From Church
Your departure from church should be as reverent and as orderly as your entrance. In the Armenian Church (as in Roman or other Eastern Churches) it is almost impossible for the clergyman to come out of church, as do the Protestant Ministers. It takes a long time for our clergy to take off the church vestments. Therefore, instead, people go to the Clergyman to greet him and receive his personal greeting and blessing.
When the service is over, the officiating Clergyman holds the Gospel as they pass and receive the personal blessings of the priest, and leave the church. The appropriate greeting is Hishestse der zamenayn badarakus ko. May the Lord remember your sacrifice. No other exchange of outward greeting and disruption is appropriate in the sanctuary.
The faithful are invited to share in fellowship and in greeting in the Church Hall following the dismissal.
Kissing the Gospel at the conclusion of the Badarak.
Hee-shes-tse der zamenayn badarkus ko.
May God remember all your sacrifices
Distribution of the Mahs Badarak
At the end of the Divine Liturgy the "Mahs" or holy bread is distributed among the congregation. "Mahs" is an Armenian word and has nothing to do with the English word (Holy Mass). Our Mahs means portion. It is in fact symbolic of the portion of everything that was offered by and on behalf of the community, our time, our talent and our treasures. It is related closely although symbolically, therefore to the offering that each of the faithful make at the beginning of every week.
When you take your Mahs you kiss it and eat it. It is a good custom to take some home to those members of the family who were desirous to come to church, but were unable to do so, reflecting our social responsibility and the outreach of Christian love beyond our religious community.
Taking "Mahs" does not mean or replace the importance of receiving Holy Communion. It is the survival of a fellowship meal called" Agape" in Greek which early Christians used to have as a part of the Holy Eucharist. It is only a sign of Christian charity and spiritual kinship.
Taking Mahs
The one giving the Mahs:
Mahs yev pazhin ee sourp badarakes.
May this be a portion of the Holy Sacrifice
Response:
Mahs yev Pazhin, Asdvadz havidyan
God is my portion forever.
GENERAL MANNERS
1. Be prepared to participate fully in the Badarak by examining your conscience, say your confession and receive the invitation to Commune in the Body and Blood of Christ.
2. No gum chewing
3. Do not cross your legs while sitting
4. Please refrain from talking aloud. The church is a place of prayer.
5. Please do not stretch or place arms on pews or across the backs of pews.
6. Please turn off cell phones before entering church.
Although by no means an imposition, there are small scarves available for women who wish to cover their heads to take communion.
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