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Religion, the invisible force that has kept this ancient nation from annihilation.
This small nation, which has survived against all odds thanks to their faith
in God All Mighty.
Armenians pride themselves to be
the first nation to adopt Christianity as the official religion of their
state (301 A.D.). Throughout the centuries the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox
Church has been the eternal flame of this faithful nation, the flame which
has guided this nation through dark and treacherous roads and ensured their
survival to this date.
This chapter will introduce the reader
to the history of the Armenian Church and its faith, you will learn about
the functional-hierarchical structure of the church and the religious feasts.
Get acquainted with the four hierarchical Sees (with pictures of their
treasures) in the Armenian Church: The Catholicosate of All Armenians in
Etchmiadzin; The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia; The Patriarchate
of Jersualem and The Patriarchate of Constantinople. Travel through time
and read about the Armenian Saints and Catholicoi since the Apostles.
A special section is provided to
inform the reader about the regulations pertaining to the administration
of marriages, divorces, baptisms, funerals, memorials and other sacraments,
followed by the basic rules and manners practiced in the Armenian Church,
and a complete translation of the Holy Liturgy (Sourp Badarak) into English.
Last but not least, the reader can recite well known Armenian prayers and
learn how to address the clergy.
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