The Armenian “Badarak” (divine liturgy) is one of the most beautiful and sacred church services.  We hope that you will join us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when we begin the liturgy.

At the same time, we want to remind you that in our Sanctuary you are in the presence of God.  For those who may be new to our church, we want to bring your attention to the following points regarding appropriate church manners:

  • Before entering the church please turn off your cell phone.
  • When you enter the Sanctuary please make the sign of the Cross by uniting your thumb, index and middle-finger (symbolizing the Holy Trinity). Making the sign of the Cross means that we are shielding ourselves with the power of the Holy Cross, on which the Redemptive Love of God was revealed through the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son.
  • One of the devotional practices of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the beautiful custom of lighting candles in front of the holy pictures. You may make the sign of the cross, say a short prayer and take your place. These candles may be obtained from the table at the top of the stairs just outside the Sanctuary. It is customary to make a donation in the offering plate when you receive candles.
  • Sitting and standing at the proper time seems to be one of the most perplexing issues during the service. Instructions about the proper time to stand or sit are given in the Holy Divine Liturgy Book. Moreover, the lighted crosses (on the front left and right comer of the church), also instructs us about when to stand or sit.
  • If you arrive to church during the Gospel reading or sermon, be sure that you wait by the entrance so as not to disturb the service.
  • Do not greet each other in the church in an unsuitable manner (moving hands, embracing each other, etc.).
  • Avoid hugging or putting your hand on your spouse’s or friend’s shoulder during service.
  • Avoid crossing your legs and or refreshing your make ups in the sanctuary.
  • Help us in keeping the church clean. Don’t throw napkins, candy wrappers and Sunday Bulletins under the pews.
  • Be a Participant in the Badarak (Divine Liturgy) by using the Liturgy book. Be aware that the numbers shown on the monitor by the altar corresponds to the page numbers.
  • During the exchange of Voghchooyn (the Kiss of Peace) the one who gives the Greeting says, “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav” (Christ is revealed among us).  The recipient replies “Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonen Krisdosi” (blessed is Christ’s revelation).  After receiving the Voghcooyn greet the person standing next you.  The proper way of greeting is simple: Both putting their hands on their hearts, the greeter moves toward the left of the receiver and says “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav,” then moves to the right so that the receiver replies as above “Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonen Krisdosi”.
  • During the General Confession you can either join those who come forward and kneel or stay where you are.  When you receive the Holy Communion cross yourself and say megha Asdoodzoh (I sinned against God).  It is recommended, as St. Paul says, that ladies should cover their heads as a sign of modesty (1 Cor. 11:5).  Also remove your lipstick prior to Communion.
  • When you kiss the Gospel which represents the word of God, say: “Hishestzeh Der zbadarakes ko yev zmaenayn ukhdes ko na gadarestzeh (May God be mindful of your sacrifice and accept your offering).” The celebrant replies “Datzeh kez Der usd srdi kum yev zamenayn ukhdes ko na gadarestzeh (May the Lord grant to you according to your heart, may He fulfill all your good intentions).”
  • At the conclusion of Badarak remain quiet. Greet your friends outside the Church.
  • When you come out of the sanctuary face the Altar and cross yourself.
  • While leaving the church don’t forget to take Maas (blessed unleavened bread) and to share with those who were not able to attend the Badarak. The one who distributes the Maas, says: The receiver says: Pajin im Asdvadz havidyan (My portion is the eternal God. Ps. 73:26)
  • Cooperate with the Board of Trustees members for instruction. For any comment please contact the Pastor.

  • To dress too casually in church
  • To wear shorts
  • To chew gum
  • To cross your legs while sitting
  • To stretch or place arms on pews or across the back of the pews
  • To laugh
  • To applaud
  • To stand or walk in the church by putting your hands into your pockets

The Armenian “Badarak” (divine liturgy) is one of the most beautiful and sacred church services.  We hope that you will join us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when we begin the liturgy.  At the same time, we want to remind you that in our Sanctuary you are in the presence of God.  For those who may be new to our church, we want to bring your attention to the following points regarding appropriate church manners:

  • Before entering the church please turn off your cell phone.
  • When you enter the Sanctuary please make the sign of the Cross by uniting your thumb, index and middle-finger (symbolizing the Holy Trinity). Making the sign of the Cross means that we are shielding ourselves with the power of the Holy Cross, on which the Redemptive Love of God was revealed through the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son.
  • One of the devotional practices of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the beautiful custom of lighting candles in front of the holy pictures. You may make the sign of the cross, say a short prayer and take your place. These candles may be obtained from the table at the top of the stairs just outside the Sanctuary. It is customary to make a donation in the offering plate when you receive candles.
  • Sitting and standing at the proper time seems to be one of the most perplexing issues during the service. Instructions about the proper time to stand or sit are given in the Holy Divine Liturgy Book. Moreover, the lighted crosses (on the front left and right comer of the church), also instructs us about when to stand or sit.
  • If you arrive to church during the Gospel reading or sermon, be sure that you wait by the entrance so as not to disturb the service.
  • Do not greet each other in the church in an unsuitable manner (moving hands, embracing each other, etc.).
  • Avoid hugging or putting your hand on your spouse’s or friend’s shoulder during service.
  • Avoid crossing your legs and or refreshing your make ups in the sanctuary.
  • Help us in keeping the church clean. Don’t throw napkins, candy wrappers and Sunday Bulletins under the pews.
  • Be a Participant in the Badarak (Divine Liturgy) by using the Liturgy book. Be aware that the numbers shown on the monitor by the altar corresponds to the page numbers.
  • During the exchange of Voghchooyn (the Kiss of Peace) the one who gives the Greeting says, “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav” (Christ is revealed among us).  The recipient replies “Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonen Krisdosi” (blessed is Christ’s revelation).  After receiving the Voghcooyn greet the person standing next you.  The proper way of greeting is simple: Both putting their hands on their hearts, the greeter moves toward the left of the receiver and says “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav,” then moves to the right so that the receiver replies as above “Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonen Krisdosi”.
  • During the General Confession you can either join those who come forward and kneel or stay where you are.  When you receive the Holy Communion cross yourself and say megha Asdoodzoh (I sinned against God).  It is recommended, as St. Paul says, that ladies should cover their heads as a sign of modesty (1 Cor. 11:5).  Also remove your lipstick prior to Communion.
  • When you kiss the Gospel which represents the word of God, say: “Hishestzeh Der zbadarakes ko yev zmaenayn ukhdes ko na gadarestzeh (May God be mindful of your sacrifice and accept your offering).” The celebrant replies “Datzeh kez Der usd srdi kum yev zamenayn ukhdes ko na gadarestzeh (May the Lord grant to you according to your heart, may He fulfill all your good intentions).”
  • At the conclusion of Badarak remain quiet. Greet your friends outside the Church.
  • When you come out of the sanctuary face the Altar and cross yourself.
  • While leaving the church don’t forget to take Maas (blessed unleavened bread) and to share with those who were not able to attend the Badarak. The one who distributes the Maas, says: The receiver says: Pajin im Asdvadz havidyan (My portion is the eternal God. Ps. 73:26)
  • Cooperate with the Board of Trustees members for instruction. For any comment please contact the Pastor.

IT IS NOT PROPER AT ANY TIME

  • To dress too casually in church
  • To wear shorts
  • To chew gum
  • To cross your legs while sitting
  • To stretch or place arms on pews or across the back of the pews
  • To laugh
  • To applaud
  • To stand or walk in the church by putting your hands into your pockets