Araratian Patriarchal Diocese of the Armenian St. Apostolic Church
Last questions
Last questions
When the Armenian Church was called Apostolic? If I am not mistaken in its time it has been called Gregorian.
Calling our Church Gregorian we forget about those 240 years when Christianity had already entered into Armenia. Apostles St. Bartholomew and St. Thaddeus have founded the Church of Christ in Armenia, and Christianity was proclaimed as the state religion of Armenia thanks to the efforts and during the period of reign of St. Gregory the Illuminator. In the famous document called “Polozhenie” instead of the Armenian Apostolic Church it has been written by mistake “Armenian Gregorian Church”. That mistake was made about two centuries ago but conversations about it are continued up to date. Whereas all churches are called Apostolic and their doctrine is Orthodox because of being founded by the Apostles.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
When and how is performed the service of Blessing of the Home?
The service of Blessing of the Home is a service typical to the Christian churches. At the feasts of Holy Nativity and Theophany and Holy Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ priests visit the homes of the faithful to greet the faithful with the tiding of Resurrection of Christ and to perform the service of Blessing of the Home so that God should protect people living in that home. The service of Blessing of the Home has been performed since the apostolic period when the 12 apostles of Christ visited the homes of the faithful on the above-mentioned feast days in order to give the tiding and to bless. During the service of Blessing of the Home the clergy bless bread, water and salt of the home. Also the service is performed when the peace of the home is disturbed and the presence of demonic forces is felt. The service is performed during the 8-day period following the feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany Jesus Christ and the 40-day period following the feast of Holy Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. However, the service can be performed also during the other months of the year. In general, each building, each newly built home can be blessed in order to keep it away from the influence of evil forces.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
Why don’t the priests visit the homes of the faithful at least on feast days and bless them and know the family members as they used to do in the past?
This is a very urgent and exciting problem. Unfortunately presently the idea of parish exists only in the villages. Presently the relationship between the faithful and the clergy is established when a clergyman is invited to perform this or that sacrament. It is joyous that often such acquaintance is turned into solid friendship and the clergy periodically, on feast days visit the faithful, bless the family, talk on various topics interesting the family. That way of contact is more practical, individualized and effective. Therefore, people should remember that it is necessary often to invite the clergy and here the monetary donation has very insignificant role.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Whenever Armenia has needed the help of the West, it has been demanded that the Armenian Church should subordinate the Roman Catholic Church, and however, our Church Fathers haven’t agreed. What is your opinion concerning this matter?
It seems that if we adopted the Catholic faith the history of our nation should be changed and our nation should avoid of many calamities and especially the genocide. However, it is not the case. Catholics also are Christians, but according to the Armenian Church doctrine they have diverged from the main principal propositions, starting from Christology. Our ancestors even agreed to obey the foreign invaders but not to adopt the Catholic faith. The reason for it is that during the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon the Roman Catholic Church split the Universal Church. However, presently all the Traditional Churches should unite proceeding from the idea of ecumenism so that people should approach God and the centuries-old debates should be left aside. And what refers to the loss of national individualism, presently the national values are preserved in the Armenian Catholic Church and the Mekhitarian Congregation, and however, many traditions have yielded to the Latin or European ones.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Have only the ordained clergy the right to baptize?
It is written in the New Testament that according to the commandment of Jesus the apostles later ordained and appointed elders in every city and town (See Tit 1:5) where they preached in order to serve the flock of Christ. The words of Christ, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19) surely referred not only the apostles, but also their successors. During the Divine Liturgy people receive Holy Communion from the ordained and anointed clergy. And that ordination comes from the apostles. No priest of the Evangelical Church receives apostolic ordination and therefore - divine virtue. Is it possible that each person, gathering several faithful, may found a church and give Holy Communion in the form of usual bread?
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What do the following words from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3) mean?
The sense of Christi’s words is that the human being should strive to keep his/her soul empty of all kinds of secular wishes. That means that the soul should try to get rid of all kind of secular wishes and temptations in order to deserve the Kingdom of Heaven.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
My sister was very successful, but suddenly everything was changed, especially her personal life. It seems that people envy her and that she is surrounded by evil forces. Is that possible?
There are joys, successes and failures, misfortunes in the human being’s life. The human being’s main mission is not only enjoying the pleasures of life but also displaying himself/herself which is realized both in the moments of joys, successes and failures, misfortunes. It means that besides joys, difficulties and various temptations God grants the human being good things and blessing which He has prepared for those who love Him and can render glory to God and be grateful in the moments of joys and difficulties. Here it is quite appropriate to mention the biblical words that gold is tested also by fire (See 1 P 1:7). It is known that Christian is defended from the attacks of Satan. For the first time that seal of defense is stamped during the sacrament of baptism when the officiating priest makes the sign of cross with the Holy Chrism on the back of the baptized person and says, “This seal in the name of Jesus Christ be to you a shield of strength thereby to quench all the fiery darts if the Evil”. This grace of the Holy Spirit, as well as strong faith and the living presence of Jesus Christ defend the human being from evil forces.
Prayerfully, Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Why during the period of soviet reign did people honor and esteem St. Gregory of Narek and his works if it was known that his works glorified God?
During the period of soviet reign St. Gregory of Narek, as well as the other clergy, for instance, St. Nersess the Graceful, Archimandrite Komitass, St. Mesrop Mashtots and the others were considered to be outstanding representatives of our culture and it hasn’t ever been mentioned that they were clergymen. Moreover, St. Gregory of Narek’s poem “Prayerbook of Lamentations” was presented as praise of nature and other values. There was even the opinion that St. Gregory of Narek had created upon the dictation of the Church, the demand of the time.
Prayerfully, Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Almost every night I see in the dream dead people or visit such interesting places where I haven’t ever been. How to explain this phenomenon?
Questions concerning dreams excite many people. However, from the Holy Bible and from the doctrine of the Armenian Apostolic Church it is known that dreams are mainly the result of the human being’s thoughts, sub-consciousness, abundant information gained from the outer world. It means that such vast information can’t be kept in the consciousness and it is expressed by means of sub-consciousness by means of dreams. From the Holy Bible it is known that there are cases when God has spoken to the people by means of dreams. There are such cases also in our Church tradition. But it is important to remember a circumstance. If God speaks to someone by means of dream, first He proves that the dream is sent by God and then gives in this or that way the dream’s interpretation. Unfortunately, I can’t tell anything about your dreams. You yourself should try to understand whether the dreams are the result of sub-consciousness or the expression of feelings. Maybe those dreams have their interpretation, and however, it is always necessary to keep away from various books of dreams interpretation and other non-Christian methods.
Prayerfully, Acolyte Souren Nersessian
What is search of truth?
Search of truth might be understood also as search of God. As, Christ says, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (Jn 14:6). In the course of life people reveal various truths which are the result of logic. The person wishing to search for truth should first of all understand that has stepped on the difficult way of knowledge of God. However, knowledge of God will not be gained if the human being will not start that process from knowledge of himself/herself. We should understand who we are and why we live. Striving for purity the human being comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to search for God, that is - truth.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Should the priest bless the new apartment and the car?
The new apartment should be blessed but the car – no. Christian’s home should be blessed twice a year, after the Feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus God’s love and peace, as well as the sacrament and the blessing of the feasts will enter the home of the faithful. In case of buying a car the owner may buy a cross or an icon, which the priest will bless, and the cross or the icon may be installed in the car.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What is the difference between the traditional Churches and the Protestant trends?
There are traditional Churches and Protestant trends. Traditional are those Churches which have been founded by the apostles of Jesus Christ or their successors. Whereas Protestant trends have come forth in the 16th century. Not going into the details of differences between the traditional Churches and the Protestant trends it should be mentioned that reading the Holy Bible or admitting the Holy Trinity doesn’t yet mean adhering to the same faith as faith is the approach both to the Holy Bible or the Holy Trinity. About in the year of 100 the Church has for the first time tried to complete the New Testament consisting of 27 books. There have been many gospels, apostolic letters, books of revelation, and the church has chosen just those 27 books out of them, confirmed them according to the canon and officially admitted their being the Holy Bible. The New Testament has been finally formed after the year of 400. In fact, about 350 years after Christ, when the Church already existed, there wasn’t yet the New Testament, and it was formed by the Church. Naturally the Traditional Church is competent to interpret and explain the New Testament’s books. Whereas the Protestant trends reject the interpretations of the Church and provide their own interpretations and explanations thus ignoring not only the Church which is considered the author of the New Testament but also divergimg from the way of true faith. First of all it is necessary to remember that Christ transferred the right of founding churches and performing sacraments (for instance, the sacrament of baptism or Holy Communion) to His disciples, and the latters passed that right to their successors by means of ordination. This hierarchical order is preserved almost in all traditional Churches and the spiritual servants of those Churches realize their service by the apostolic power. Whereas Protestants themselves reserved that power for themselves which is not God-granted and therefore false and invented.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
The Holy Bible instructs not to worship idols. In that case why is the Church full of icons if we know that no one has seen real Christ?
Certainly everybody knows that no one has seen God and God has no material body, therefore God is indescribable. However, the Creator of the universe was incarnated. After that it is possible to describe God not only in words as the evangelists and the apostles did but also in brush and paints. If we say that the picture depicted in the icon is idol then it means that we don’t admit God’s incarnation and simply consider God’s image as idol. However, all traditional Churches admit that icon is a peculiar Gospel as it depicts God’s incarnation. What refers to the point that no one has seen Jesus and nevertheless has depicted Him, it should be mentioned that Evangelists St. Mark and St. Luke also haven’t seen Jesus and however have in details written about His Earthly life. It should be also added that some of the apostles also have been the authors of the first icons. Certainly, depicting Christ no artist has set the task to depict His face, rather the sacrament of God’s incarnation has been emphasized.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
I am physician and I have sworn the Hippocratic Oath. What is the attitude of the Armenian Apostolic Church towards oath? We know that the Holy Bible instructs not to swear (See Jas 5:12).
Armenian Apostolic Church has unanimously positive attitude towards medicine as well as other branches of science. Development and progress are impossible without science. Medicine is necessary for any society. What refers to oath, when the Holy Bible instructs not to swear emphasis is made on human relations. That is, people in their everyday relations swear when they don’t trust each other, when lie is more probable than truth. God exhorts people to be honest and to have love towards each other in their relationship so that their “Yes” should be “Yes,” and their “No should be “No,” and there shouldn’t be the need of swearing as oath is the result of distrust. However, there may such moments and cases when the human being undertakes some very important responsibility, for instance, becomes the president of the country and enters military service and undertakes the defence of the country. In such cases the Church admits the solemn ceremony of inauguration which in fact is a solemn promise of undertaking the responsibilities. In order to make sure that there is no strict instruction concerning oath in the Holy Bible people may read the verse 5:27 from Apostle St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians: “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.”
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
I have married without the Church sacrament of marriage. What should I do?
It doesn’t matter when the civil marriage has taken place. If the couple is baptized they should go to the church together with their godfather and turn to the priest in order to fix the date of the sacrament of marriage in advance. The priest will perform the sacrament of marriage and bless the couple. If one of the couple isn’t baptized they should be baptized a week before the fixed date of sacrament of marriage.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What is the difference between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the other Churches?
The difference between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the traditional (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, Assyrian, etc.) Churches mainly relates to the doctrine concerning to the two natures of Christ. All Christian Churches admit that Christ is a perfect God and a perfect man. However, Churches have provided various explanations on how the divine and the human natures of Christ have been united in one and the same person. The difference between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the remaining Churches is that the Armenian Apostolic Church adopts the teaching of St. Cyril of Alexandria as an orthodox teaching, according to which the divine and the human natures of Christ do not exist separately, but are united unmixedly, without confusion - one Lord, one Jesus, one face and one united divine and human nature. So, the formulation of St. Cyril of Alexandria: “One is the nature of the Incarnate Word of God” is adopted. St. Mary is not the mother of a simple man, but she is Godmother as she gave birth to the Son of God. Certainly there are also some ritual differences which are less important.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Whom do we mean saying God or Lord?
All Churches admit the God is Holy Trinity, that is – the divine nature is composed of 3 persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When we say “God” we may mean both the Holy Trinity and any of the three persons. Using the word “Lord” we appeal to the Holy Trinity or to Jesus Christ.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Does God forbid tattoos on the body?
Although making pictures on the skin is a tradition which has come from the past, however, there is nothing written in the Holy Bible concerning tattoos maybe because neither the Jews nor any other nations mentioned in the Holy Bible have had such a tradition. However, making conclusions from some biblical ideas it is possible to say that presently Christianity may have its viewpoint regarding not only tattoos but also other phenomena, such as smoking or drug addiction which also aren’t mentioned in the Holy Bible. According to the biblical sacraments the Church teaches us that by means of baptism the human being’s soul becomes a temple for the Holy Spirit. If the human being is Christian and his/her body is a temple for the Holy Spirit than is it appropriate to make pictures on that temple? It isn’t appropriate even to make the picture of the cross on the body. Attitude towards the cross should be expressed in other ways.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Going on tours in Armenia I often visit places called “Tukh Manuk”. Please explain the meaning of that name.
The notion “Tukh Manuk” has deep roots in our genealogy. The places called “Tukh Manunk” are holy places which are usually built nearby spring sources. They are related to the worship of water and have mainly been built in the heathen period. It should be mentioned that in the Armenian epic the heroes, for instance, Sanassar and Baghdassar, were born from water. That’s why later water was identified with the Holy Basin of Baptism.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
Presently in the territory of what state is the Island Patmos where the Book of Revelation has been written? Are pilgrimages to the island organized?
Island Patmos is on the territory of Greece Certainly, pilgrims often visit the island. It is the place where Apostle St. John passed away.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
May the pregnant woman wear a wedding dress and get married according to the sacrament of marriage?
The Church canon forbids the pregnant woman to get married according to the sacrament of marriage as the sacrament is performed for virgin. According to the Church Fathers in that case the future mother is married the baby in her womb and not her beloved person and that’s why they have forbidden the marriage of pregnant woman. However, there are cases when the marrying couple keeps that reality secret. However, in that case they deceive not the priest but God. In order to be blessed, the couple should have a baby, afterwards to get married according to the sacrament of marriage and then to baptize their baby.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
Is the opinion that the number 13 is an unlucky one justified?
All numbers are lucky. God blessed each day of creation because whatever He had created was kind. I personally see in the number 13 Jesus Christ and the 12 Apostles. The remaining is superstition.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
How many times can the human being be baptized and what influence has baptism on the human being?
When during the sacrament of baptism officiating priest anoints the senses and the parts of the body the person being baptized the graces of the Holy Spirit exercise perfect influence on the human being. It is then that the same reality happens which St. John the Baptist witnessed while baptizing Christ when he saw the Holy Spirit descending upon Christ in the form of dove, as well as when 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of speaking strange tongues. As it is told in the book “The Acts of the Apostles” Apostle St. Peter visited Captain Cornelius in Joppa, preached there and baptized all people in attendance. Later in all centuries the commandments of Jesus one the most eloquent examples of which is the Armenian nation’s baptism by St. Gregory the Illuminator in one of the streams of the River Aratsani, have been realized.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
Why the priest is addressed Father?
When the priest is addressed father that form of address refers not the given person but the ordination and consecration performed by the bishop. After ordination and consecration the priest may perform the sacraments of baptism, communion, matrimony, unction of the sick, etc. Officiating priest presents Jesus Christ Himself.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
Aren’t such traditions as avoiding of marriage in May, visiting the graveyard on the days of the major church feasts, etc., groundless?
Fifty-day period beginning from the Easter Feast – the Holy Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ - and lasting till Pentecost in the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church is called Hinounk or Hinants period. That period is dedicated to the mystery of Resurrection of the Lord, and that is why it is Dominical period. Usually that period ends in May. Each day of that period is considered Dominical day, that’s why according to church canon marriage during that period has been forbidden. However, during the soviet period, when a few generations had turned away from the church there was all-embracing chaos in all senses. When the couples went to the church and the sacrament of marriage was refused, they nevertheless went to the state registration office and registered their marriage. Taking this circumstance into consideration Vazgen I Catholicos of All Armenians wrote a circular letter exhorting the priests to perform the sacrament of marriage even during the period of Great Lent, except the Holy Week. And what refers to visiting the graveyard, each day following the major church feasts people should attend the Divine Liturgy and the requiem service performed in the Church and afterwards go to the graveyard and pray for the peace of soul of the dead.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
Repenting and confessing the sins, Christian receives forgiveness from the priest being invisibly released from sins by God Himself. What should the human being in case of sinning again?
Christians should try not to sin. However, if they have sinned, they may receive forgiveness and absolution of sins by means of attending the Divine Liturgy and receiving Holy Communion. They should realize that everybody is released of sins, should take courage and strive for perfection. Should it be wise by the physician to warn the patient after the treatment that in case of recurrence of the illness he/she won’t be treated?
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Why should people keep the Sabbath? (See Mt 12:1-8)
Creation of the world is described in the Holy Bible. God created the sky and the earth and whatever today exists in the world in 6 days, “and on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” (Gn 2:2). In reality God doesn’t need resting as God is perfect. However, God fixed the Sabbath for the human being which he/she should devote Him. Before the Coming of Christ the Sabbath was called Saturday which means rest-day or seventh day. By the Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ the day to be devoted to the Lord became the first day of the week. As Christ was risen from the dead on the first day of the week that day was renamed Sunday, which means Lord’s Day. So, the rest-day for Christians became Sunday. All Christians must leave aside all kind of secular affairs and works on Sundays and attend the Divine Liturgy, receive Holy Communion. However, presently many people work on Sundays. It would be good to be able to find time to attend the Divine Liturgy. Finally, God’s instruction to keep the Sabbath is more important for the human being.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
In the adapted buildings in some of the regions of Armenia there are icons, golden or silver crosses most of which have been brought from Western Armenia. However, there are women there telling the fortune by means of coffee grounds or card games or helping to get rid of fear, etc. How to explain that phenomenon?
In various regions of Armenia during realizing construction works people have found cross-stones or have come across foundations of a church and have built something on those sites with the feeling of fear and awe. It has happened so that during migration people have brought from Western Armenia handwritten Gospels, Martyrologies and various books and have hidden them in the corner of a house or a building, have lighted candles and prayed there. During the period of soviet reign, when the functioning churches had been closed everywhere (the speech is about the period of 1920-1930) people have visited the above mentioned chapels which were under the disposal of individuals. Semi-literate or illiterate people mixed sacred values with profane ones. That is, fortune-tellers appeared nearby the sacred books and as if managed to heal people or to help to overcome fear, anxiety or failure by means of witchery. So, during the soviet period Christianity and heathenism had been mixed because of ignorance. Presently it is necessary to raise protest, to return the sacred values to the Church and simply to stop that kind of non-spiritual activity.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
My father has passed away but he wasn’t baptized. What can I do for the salvation of his soul?
I think if one hasn’t admitted Christ in his/her lifetime then after the death it is late because admitting Christ starts from penitence. First the human being repents, then with the help of the Holy Spirit changes the way of his/her life, afterwards chooses the narrow way of life and takes his/her cross which many Christians try to ignore and choose easy and prospering life. Whereas it is written in the Gospel, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” (1 Jn 3:1). It is necessary to overcome difficulties and what is most important - to be God’s Son and to believe in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many people think that the way of salvation is baptism only, but that isn’t so. “… And circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” (Ro 2:29).It means that the only way of salvation is the faith in God. If one isn’t baptized till the last minute of his/her life but repents before the death he/she will be saved. Apostle St Paul says, “Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Ro 3:22-24). The human being himself/herself should pray God asking for salvation so that he/she should be granted that virtue.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
I have read the Holy Bible since childhood and have tried to understand each word of the Holy Bible. I often go to the church but avoid some numbers as far as it is possible. In particular, I avoid sitting the cars with double 3, 6 or 9 numbers. Am I right or not?
What to do if while reading the Holy Bible one reaches the page 666 or 999: to read those pages or turn over? Maybe the answer to questions interesting the reader is there? God has created the universe so that it should serve the human being. But because of narrow-mindedness the human being may become the captive of colors, metals, seasons, stars and finally numbers. Maybe the following verse of the Book of Revelation, “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (Rev 13:18) has frightened many people. And however, it is not the number that is frightening but the name equal to that number.
With blessing, Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
Why doesn’t the Church eliminative the tradition of giving money after this or that rite or sacrament (so called Khachhambuyr)
Still from the Old Testament it is known that when God built a temple and appointed priests to serve there, according to God’s commandment the Jews cared for their living. People paid tithe (one tenth of the one’s yearly profit or income paid in former times for the support of the Church) and made donations to the temple as the priests served with devotion and didn’t do any other work (See Phil 4:10-20). That tradition is preserved up to date. Every day, in the mornings and in the evenings, during each church service, as well as during various church ceremonies clergy pray for people, for the souls of the dead, for the prosperity of the country and for peace, provide spiritual nourishment by means of sermons and meetings with the faithful flock. Whereas people almost don’t care of supporting the Church or the clergy in any problem thinking that it is the problem of the rich. Attending in any rite or sacrament people have the chance of donating a little sum to the Church or the clergy and sometimes afterwards it is followed by criticism, gossip and boasting. It is known that on various occasions people don’t spare money for providing resplendence (e.g. Limousine, toastmaster (tamada), singer, who often being of low-class demand high payment) and never complain. Besides, each priest is engaged in various humanitarian projects. Often sums donated to the clergy are used in the frames of such projects.
Prayerfully, Acolyte Souren Nersessian
What is ecumenical movement?
Ecumenical movement is the idea of unity of all Christian Churches according to which the mission of the churches - the salvation of human being’s soul, should be the only goal of all Churches. Thanks to the ecumenical movement all kinds of debates and mutual accusations should be smoothed away. And the following verse from the Holy Gospel “… and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (Jn 10:16) will come true.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
In the Old Testament God instructed the human being to eat the meant of certain animals and not to eat pork. Why don’t Christians refuse of pork?
“When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” (Mt. 15:10-11). That is, it is lewdness, swearing, gossip, envy, etc., that defile the human being. Therefore, eating or not eating meat became a not-impressing problem because by means of Christ the human being came out of the authority of law and was granted virtue.
With blessing, Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
It isn’t written in the Holy Bible about the life of Jesus Christ from the age of 13 up to His baptism. What is the answer of the Armenian Apotolic Church to this point?
There is few information about the life of Christ in the age of 13-30. Although there are some paracanonical books describing that period of His life, however, the Church hasn’t admitted those books. The Church hold to the viewpoint that during that period Jesus Christ lived a life of an ordinary man, worked as a carepenter, helped his family and didn’t do anything extraordinary. According to the Evangelists He started preaching at the age of 30, abter His baptism and the first wonder he worked was in the town of Cana in Galilee where there was a wedding, the wine was given out and He turned water into wine (See Jn 2:1-11). Evangelists haven’t written about that period of His life because all sacraments of Christ’s coming to this world and His salvific mission have been performed during the last 3 years of his earlthly life which are imortant and essential for Christianity.
Prayerfully, Acolyte Souren Nersessian
What is the sacrament of matagh (sacrifice)?
Matagh (sacrifice) isn't a church sacrament. The Armenian Apostolic Church has the following 7 sacraments.
1. Baptism
2. Confirmation,
3. Penitence.
4. Communion.
5. Ordination.
6. Matrimony (marriage).
7. The Unction of the Sick.
Matagh (sacrifice) is a means of giving a gift to God, giving food to the poor, giving alms to the sick, the disabled, the needy, and the hungry. Matagh (sacrifice) shouldn't be turned into a feast, but it should have the meaning of giving an opportunity to the faithful to express their love towards God, to show mercy by helping the poor.
Answer to the question prepared By Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
Why doesn't the Armenian Apostolic Church have strict and tough attitude towards sectarians?
Still in the period of adoption of Christianity St. Gregory the Illuminator forbade disputes with sectarians as they were very stubborn and it was senseless to explain them anything. The state's attitude is very important here. Presently our country, being a democratic state, doesn't forbid sectarians' activity. Whereas the solution to the problem may be found on state level only. Sectarians win over ordinary people by means of miserable aids, and intellectuals - by means of vain promises of various natures. Sectarians attack people like hail, whereas clever people considering themselves true Christians should naturally find defense in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Adopting Christianity our ancestors have chosen the only true way which is also the state religion of our country. Those who don't have solid faith are precarious and inprincipled everywhere be it family, office or anywhere else.
Answer to the question prepared By Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
Does the Armenian Apostolic Church admit the Gospel of Markion?
The basis of the Christian Churches are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which are almost similar. Christ said, "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Mt 18: 15-16). The Gospels of Judas, Peter, Markion and the others are secondary or paracanonical and inadmissible. Simply they are interesting for reading, For instance, the Gospel written about the childhood of Christ only fills up the gap of the Armenian Apostolic Church doctrine.
Answer to the question prepared By Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
What is the attitude of the Armenian Apostolic Church towards the Apostles St. Peter and St. John?
For the Armenian Apostolic Church all Apostles are equal. Although the Roman Catholic Church worships Apostle St. Peter more than the others because St. Gregory of Datev was the first who appreciating him has written, "It is on the basis of your stone that I must build the church of my faith." In one of the sections St. Gregory of Datev finds resemblance between Peter and Judas as from fear of death Peter thrice denied Christ (See Mt. 26:69-75). Judas didn't regret and hanged himself (See Mt. 27:5), but Peter wept bitterly and was forgiven. So, each person should be judged in the heaven according to his/her deeds.
Answer to the question prepared By Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
To what religious trend did St. John the Baptist, who consecrated Christ, adhere? What was the meaning of that rite?
St. John the Baptist didn't consecrate Christ, he baptized Christ. He didn't adhere to any religious trend, he only preached monotheism. According to the principles of the Old Testament He said. "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Mt 3:11-12). In fact, he paved the way for Jesus Christ's Coming.
Answer to the question prepared By Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
Is the existence of Satan true? Isn't God powerful enough in order to interfere its deeds?
God is very powerful. It's necessary to remember that Satan is an asexual angel which abused its freedom and revolted against God as the result of which together with its confederates it was sent of out of the Garden of Eden and became a wicked angel. Its only goal is keeping people away of God because it is very weak by its nature and can't directly hurt God. It is known that if it weren't the evil, there wouldn't the chance of choice. Whereas the human being is granted free will in order to choose the evil or the kind.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Why did God punish Adam and Eve when they ate the fruit of the tree which was in the midst of the Garden of Eden?
God punished Adam and Eve and sent them out of the Garden of Eden for their disobedience. In the same way parents punish their offspring when they disobey. The human being himself chose the voluntary way of coming to this world with sin, "therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken." (Gn 3:23). Adam and Even fell from the light into the darkness.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
I wish to have a confessor, but I don't know any priest. How can I choose a confessor?
During confession the priest not only listens the penitent but also gives advice and instructs him/her how to lead a life befitting true Christian, how to atone and to get rid of sins. It is necessary to attend the meetings organized with priests in any church and to find out whom it is desirable to confess the sins. By the way, Youth Associations functioning under the auspices of the Armenian Apostolic churches organize meetings with the clergy twice each week.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Why are our historical-cultural national values presented as Christian? It is known that many of our Churches have been heathen temples and only after destroying them they have been turned into Christian churches which is equal to present-day forced conversion of the Christian Church to Islam.
The Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has been built on the basis of heathen temple, and however this has been done in order to eliminate Satanism and Zoroastrianism. Only the cathedral of Garni has been preserved up to date. However, it should be mentioned that Armenians have destroyed historical monuments, for instance, the Monument to Lenin, the Monument to Worker, etc., after the decay of the soviet system. Our Church Fathers knew very well that if heathen temples weren't destroyed people should secretly go and worship heathen gods. Vandalism is realized as the result of agitations, that is - individuals' will is fulfilled by means of the crowd. Only after quarrel people understand that they are mistaken.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Mkhitar Aloyan
What is the answer of the Armenian Apostolic Church to the following questions of the German philosopher Immanuel Kant: What can I know? What must I do? Whom I can set hope on? What is human being?
Everything is transient in this life, as it is written in the Holy Bible, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." (Ec 1:2). The only thing that is intransient is true knowledge and cognition of God. Whereas God isn't completely cognizable, simply human being should be able to reveal God's this or that trait stage by satge. In this life Christ should resemble God by means of kind deeds. The human being should set hopes on God, as it is written in the Holy Bible, "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (1 P 4:16). The human being is created by God and is granted free will and chance of choice in order to do kind deeds.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What is tithe ("Tasanord"), is it alms?
From the very beginning tithe ("Tasanord") has been a tax of one tenth of one's yearly profit or income paid in former times for the support the priest of the local church and its history is the following. When the Jewish nation was distributing the Promised Land between 12 tribes 11 of the tribes were granted arable lands, whereas the 12th tribe - the Levites, which was the tribe of priests, wasn't granted arable land. It means that priests should serve their nation's spiritual needs without thinking about material values. Whereas the remaining 11 tribes should take care of the Levites and give of one tenth of their yearly profit or income to the priests. It was in the order or things and later Christian Church preserved that tradition. Hence the conclusion that tithe is paid to the priest. You may pay tithe each month to the priest whom you like. Whereas giving alms is quite another thing, it is a God-pleasing and Christian virtue.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
How to get rid of the sects?
For getting rid of the sects faithful should return to our sources which come from our Holy Church. Through the sacrament of baptism we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, become Christian and attain adoption by God. We should be loyal to our heritage. Faithful should go to the church in order to gain power and might to be defended from sects. Acting alone nothing will be changed. Each person should do kind deeds.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
Please explain the expression "Withered Fig Tree."
"Now in the morning, as Christ returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away." (Mt 21:18-22). Each deed of Christ is symbolic. Reading the abovementioned verses we may come to the conclusion that we are the fig tree. God expects from us kindness. We shouldn't be like the fig tree waiting for the due time to give fruit but we should always do kind deeds. Otherwise once we will suddenly note that we are useless and good-for-nothing.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
In the past I have got married according to the Armenian Church sacrament of marriage and later I have been divorced. Now I am going to get married for the second time. Can I get married again according to the Church sacrament?
According to its canons the Armenian Apostolic Church has the right to perform the sacrament of marriage twice. So, you have the right to get married according to the Church sacrament and may God bless you and remove hardships from your life.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Has Santa Claus any relation to Christianity?
Santa Claus is the prototype of the Pontiff St. Nikoghayos (Nicholas the Bishop). St. Nikoghayos (Nicholas) was born in the town Batara (presently nearby Antalia), in the province of Likia, in Asia Minor. His rich and pious parents passed away when he was a baby, and he was brought up and educated by his Uncle Bishop Nikoghayos Yerets. The evangelical commandment: "... sell all you have and give the money to the poor..." (The Gospel according to Mathew 19:21) became the essence of the life of Nikoghayos. He took care of the poor, the sick, the prisoners and the orphans. By the will of the people he became the Bishop of Smyrna. Being rich he always helped his poor neighbors and especially children. When the New Year came he secretly put sweets and gifts near the windows of the needy children so that nobody should know about his charities. Years later it became a tradition. Presently the monument to St. Nikoghayos (Nicholas) is on the bank of the Mediterranean See - in Antalia, but in the past it was in the Greek town Demre Mira. There is the monument of the modern Santa Claus before the monument of the saint and the ruined church named after the saint.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian
What is the sacrament of baptism? Is the baptized person protected?
Baptism protects the human being from the evil. However, if the human being doesn't strive to make that protection long-lasting by means of his/her faith in God and prayers then God won't forcibly protect such person.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
After entering the church I usually have a terrible headache and become unable to attend the Divine Liturgy. What may be the reasons of that phenomenon?
There may be several reasons. First of all maybe you aren't baptized but you have been so far from the Divine Liturgy and the church sacraments that the evil doesn't leave you out of its clutches by means of such weakness keeps you away from Liturgy. You should be strong and attend the Liturgy and pray God asking to treat you and to relieve your pains. So, you should be persistent in order to face the attacks of the evil.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon GhevondianWhat to do if it is found out that one of the intimates has gossiped?
In such cases it is necessary to clear up the matter with that person. It would be good to meet him/her, address questions concerning the matter, even to joke and to find out the truth about the new you have learnt.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr.Mkhitar AloyanIf during the discussion of everyday problems the speech is about negative phenomena can it be considered gossip?
Discussion and criticism are different things. Gossip is idle talk, also it is gossip if the speech is about person who are absent at that moment. It is preferable that discussion and criticism should be in the presence of the person about who is spoken.
But interesting talk which isn't for wasting time can't be considered gossip.What is patience and how should the human being obtain it?
Patience is a grace granted by God for prayer. Patience is like a closed circle which isn't a stable one. Simply always keeping away of this or that phenomenon raises patience. All kinds of virtues should be within that circle as any of them without the remaining ones can't have positive course.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon GhevondianWhat is the difference between clone and the human being?
Clone is an artificial being which is not the birth of new life created in conformity with God-established and God-pleasing law of multiplying but the result of human being's revolt against God. It is impossible for the clone to have all human traits which God grants to the human being.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
When God sees the human being taking wrong steps why doesn't He direct him/her like parent?
God's ways and deeds are inscrutable. God always has His plans which we don't understand. When I was young I was in love with a girl. I thought I would even give my life in order to achieve her love. After several years I met my future wife and understood that it was good that the first girl didn't love me. Not satisfying some of our desires God later gives us many other chances and we should be able to take advantage of the chance.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian
Does God lead us into temptation?
God grants the human beings many virtues to face all kinds of temptations. God led Abraham into temptation who was ready to offer his son. The person having patience till the end will win. When I was young and was married for 6 years we didn't have offspring. When my son was born I remembered the story of Abraham. I understood that I wouldn't give my son and I was surprised that Abraham was ready to offer his son to God. After many years of repeatedly reading of the Holy Bible I started to understand God's words in another way and was convinced that God would do nothing unfair. Abraham believed that God would spare him. Life is a gift. The human being's son or daughter isn't his own, he/she is God's gift. It is necessary to know that not only our sons and daughters, but also our wives, husbands and grandchildren are God's gifts. It is God's will that all of us should do kind deeds.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian
Should the faithful refuse of any food in case of abstinence?
In case of abstinence faithful should refuse of any food. In case of necessity they may drink water.
How to struggle against evil?
One should struggle against evil by means of kind deeds. Love towards the brother will win all sins. It is necessary to try to preserve good traditions as the result of which sins will yield. For instance, it is more important to take care of health instead of treatment. The same is in case of spiritual life. We should do kind deeds instead of thinking how to get rid of sins. God said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (Jn 13:34)
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian What does the six-pointed star symbolize and why have the Jews depicted it on the state flag of Israel?
Six-pointed star is composed of two triangles symbolizing the earth and the sky and their merging. The triangle with its apex upward symbolizes the earth - the woman, and the triangle with its apex downward symbolizes the sky - the man. When the two triangles merge they symbolize the sky and the earth. Whereas the star depicted on the Jews' flag is King David's flag symbolizing the completeness of those two worlds. During the period of slave-owning the six-pointed star has been stamped also on the slaves.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
I want to get married in Armenia, in the Church of Holy Sign of Apostles of peninsula Sevan. What documents are needed for getting married in Armenia and our marriage being officially registered not only by the state, but also by the Church? Is there any problem with the Armenian Apostolic Church if my fiancé is Armenian Catholic?
Foreigners wishing to marry in Armenia should have documents stating that they aren't officially married in your country. Usually the Armenian Apostolic Church doesn't welcome marriage with a catholic, but also it doesn't forbid it.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Daniel Baghoumian
Why couples can't get married in May?
Everyone can marry in May. Armenian Apostolic Church doesn't forbid marriages in May. On the contrary, some of our priests celebrate their children's weddings in May to show people that marriage in May is welcomed.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Daniel Baghoumian
May men enter the church in sportswear?
People should enter the church properly dressed. When someone goes to a meeting with another person who he/she respects and loves, he/she dresses the best clothes. Therefore, going to the church, that is - to a meeting with the Lord God, people certainly should dress properly. Everybody respects the rules forbidding going to the restaurants and bars in sportswear. Hence, especially before going to the church people should first of all take care of their clothes.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
The Armenian Apostolic Church is called also Orthodox. Is the Armenian Apostolic Church one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches? Is it in communion with the Greek Orthodox Church?
Armenian Apostolic Church belongs to the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Assyrian Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Malankara Orthodox Church also belong to the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Armenian Apostolic Church cooperates with the Greek Orthodox Church. If in the given country or city there is no Armenian Apostolic Church, in case of necessity Armenians may receive Holy Communion in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
My mother passed away because of having cancer. 10 days after her death my brother's daughter was born and she was given my mother's name. May the name have any influence on the baby's fate?
Any person's illness can't be passed to another one having the same name by means of the name. If there are doubts about the same disease then it is simply a problem related to heredity and genetics. First of all it is necessary to pray God as there is nothing impossible for God. God may help and settle down the problems.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon GhevondianWhat is sin?
Ignoring the divine commandments and refusing to obey them is sin. Sin is more comprehensible if there is spiritual experience, knowledge and faith. Sinning is against the human being's natural moral feeling, that is - against the human being's natural striving for the kind. Sinning the human being has pricks of conscience and feels his/her sinful state.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob KhachatrianHow did come to the world?
The reason of origin of sin was Adam's and Eve's disobedience to God. According to the Holy Bible Adam and Eve abused the God-granted greatest virtue - free will, and ate the fruit of the tree which was in the midst of the garden and the fruit of which was forbidden them to eat because eating they would be like God, knowing good and evil. As the result of disobedience God sent them out of the Garden of Eden and sin came to the world. Later sin was displayed when Cain killed his brother - Abel, as well as in the cities Babylon, Sodom and Gomorrah.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob KhachatrianWhat is retribution?
In order to receive absolution for the confessed sin the priest fixes a certain retribution the aim of which is building of the person's spiritual temple and refusing of ill habits. For instance, in case of being miserly and greedy retribution is charity, for sinning because of spiritual unawareness retribution is reading the Holy Bible for several times, retribution for voraciousness and gluttony is fasting, etc. The more confession and willingness for retribution are sincere the easier and the sooner sins are forgiven.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob KhachatrianWhat consequences may have sins?
As in case of absence of body's care body gets sick, in the same way in case of soul's care soul gets sick. Sin may be revealed in the form of state of being possessed with the devil, loss of spiritual peace, fixed ideas, symptoms of spiritual misbalance, complex of inferiority... God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being who is the minimum of the Perfect. The human being involuntarily strives for the ideal - the Most High. Therefore, as the result of the human being's and God's sincere relationship the soul will be healthy. It is written in the Holy Bible, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ro 6:23)
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob KhachatrianWhat do the two serpents depicted on the diocesan primate's (bishop's) crosier symbolize" And, in general, which clergy have the right to have a crosier?
The leader of the Church after the Catholicos (Pontiff) is the spiritual pastor. He is responsible for a region's or country's churches and spiritual life. The catholicos, the patriarchs and the diocesan primates have pastoral crosiers. Archimandrites also have crosiers with two heads and serpents depicted on them. According to the tradition of the Armenian Apostolic Church archimandrites have the right to preach and to interpret the Holy Bible. Serpents depicted on the crosier symbolize wisdom and thoughtfulness according the following message of Christ, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Mt 10:16). Here the word "wise" should be understood not in the sense of inventive or cunning, but in the sense of intelligent, clever.
Answer to the question prepared by HE Datev SarkissianHow is the Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator kept in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and what does it symbolize?
The litter finger or other parts of St Gregory the Illuminator's hand are kept a special reliquary box in the form of the right hand. In the psalms and prophecies the right hand of St Gregory the Illuminator is the source of preservation of God's creative power and granting of virtues. It is also the symbol of God's wonder-work. By means of St. Gregory the Illuminator God revealed His miraculous presence in our life. The relic also symbolizes God's presence in the church. That's why on various occasions, especially on the feasts dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator, the relic, accompanied by a special procession, is brought to the church for the faithful to be communicated with it, to pay tribute of respect and to pray. During the ceremony of blessing of the holy chrism the holy oil is mixed with the relic. According to tradition after fixing the holy oil starts to boil symbolizing abundant granting of the Holy Spirit's virtues to the faithful.
Answer to the question prepared by HE Datev SarkissianWhat is the meaning of the cross with a relic? Is there a part of any saint's body in the cross?
It is an ancient tradition to turn the parts of saints' bodies into an object of prayer and worship as a tribute of respect of their martyrdom. It is written in the Old Testament, "And Joseph said to his brethren, "I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." (Gn 50:24-25). So Joseph died in Egypt they embalmed his body and put it in a coffin. In the same way Christians used the relics of the apostles, later the relics of the saints during construction of churches and preparing crosses so that saints' intercession should be over the given community. Armenia is full of saints' and martyrs' relics. The right hands of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Apostles St. Thaddew and St. Bartholomew, relics of St. Hripsime and her companion nuns are popular and are used during the ceremony of blessing of the holy chrism and other church ceremonies and feasts.
Answer to the question prepared by Shahe HayrapetianIt is important to pray in the church, and however, almost everybody light a candle when they go to the church. Why?
Candle is the symbol of our prayer. As burning the candle gives light in the same way people are filled with divine light and are spiritual purified when they pray.
Answer to the question prepared by HE Datev SarkissianIs everybody sinful?
Yes everybody is sinful as Apostle St. Paul testifies, "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Ro 3:21-23). Speaking about his sins in his book entitled "Confession" Pontiff Augustine the Blessed as if indirectly puts a mirror before the reader in which the reader sees his/her sinful state. Both from the point of view based on the facts from the Holy Bible and according to our daily experience the human being is imperfect, fallible and sinful. Moreover, the human being is born with the Adamic (initial) sin.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob KhachatrianMy Father passed away all of a sudden and he wasn't baptized. He was buried not according to the church rite. He was very kind despite the fact that he had been brought up and educated in an orphanage. What can I do for the salvation of his soul?
For the salvation of your Father's soul you should order a requiem service in the Church, where the priest singing church hymns and reading the Gospel will pray God for the salvation of your Father's soul. Souls of the dead need prayer. Although your Father hasn't been baptized and hasn't been administered the sacraments of confirmation and Holy Communion, in the 5th century Archimandrite Yeghishe gave the advice never to deprive of prayer the souls of those dead persons who hadn't managed to be baptized. There are 5 major church feasts during the year, and the days following those feasts are memorial days when a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in all churches.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shahe HayrapetianWhen and in which countries did the Assyrian, Malankara, Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches come into existence?
Assyrian Orthodox Church is one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Head of the Assyrian Orthodox Church is the Patriarch of Antioch and All East and since 1959 his residence is in Damascus, the capital city of Syria. Assyrian Orthodox Church has originated from the early Christian community of Antioch which is mentioned in "The Acts of the Apostles." Apostles St. Barnabas, St. Paul and St. Peter have realized activity in Antioch. Apostle St. Paul is considered to be the founder of the Church. The main theological institution of the Assyrian Orthodox Church is the Orthodox Seminary of St. Ephrem founded in 1939, in Mosul, Iraq. In 1995 new branches of Orthodox Seminary of St. Ephrem have been opened In Sayedniya, nearby Damascus.
In 1993 the Patriarch of the Assyrian Orthodox Church has separated the communities of the Indian faithful from the Diocese of Syria and has created the Malankara Diocese of the Assyrian Orthodox Church in North America under the leadership of Metropolitan Mar Nikolosos Zakaria. The Diocese is composed of 23 parishes where 25 clergymen serve. Also there are 6 Assyrian Orthodox churches in Australia. Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop serves in Australia.
Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, too. The founder of the Church is Evangelist St. Mark, the first Bishop of the See of Alexandria (1st century). The Head of the Church is the Patriarch whose residence after Alexandria, since 9th century is in Cairo, where the Cathedral of St. Mark was built in 1968.
Since 1971 the Head of the Coptic Orthodox is His Holiness Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church also is one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Till 1951 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was under the administrative subordination of the Coptic Orthodox Church and its head should be of Coptic nationality and should be ordained in Egypt. Christianity came to Ethiopia when Apostle St. Philip baptized the eunuch of the Queen Candace of Ethiopia (See Ac 8:26-28). Christianity was officially adopted by the state in 318 or 340 thanks to the efforts of the pious merchant Frumentius later renamed Abuna Salama.
Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the Greek Orthodox, the Roman Catholic and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches, have certain rights in the Holy Land - Jerusalem.
Answer to the question prepared according to Encyclopedia "Christian Armenia"
I have decided to be baptized and to baptize my children. My marriage also hasn't been according to the church sacrament of marriage. Can I get marriaed according to the church sacrament now?
It is never late to be baptized as it is through baptism that the believer is absolved of sins, is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, becomes a Christian and attains adoption by God. Whereas for getting married according to the church sacrament the following circumstances are important:
• mutual love
• the woman shouldn't be pregnant
• the couple should be baptized
• the man and the woman aren't close relatives
You may get married according to the church sacrament anytime you like and may receive the priest's blessing.
Have the names "Jesus" and "Immanuel" the same meaning?
The name "Jesus" means "Savior" or "God saves us", whereas "Immanuel" is translated, "God with us." (Mt 1:21-23). Certainly, there is no significant difference. If God is with us He will save us. However, the two names literally haven't the same meaning.
Answer to the question prepared by HE Abp. Datev SarkissianHow will Moslems or Buddhists be saved if they don't admit Christ?
Christ saves all those who live and behave according to God's will. There are persons who are baptized Christians but the mode of their life has no relation to Christianity. Although presently the world is on a high level of development and progress, there are also backward countries where people are unaware of any other religion besides their own. Not knowing is not a sin. Knowing and not adhering is quite another point. God will judge everybody according to their deeds.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad DavidianI am incurable and wish to receive Holy Communion, but I can't remember I am baptized or not. What should I do?
The Armenian Apostolic Church is against baptism for the second time. According to the New Testament baptism is rebirth "of water and the Spirit" and the human being can't be born for the second time (see Jan 3:1-8). So, taking this principle into consideration the human being shouldn't be baptized for the second time. Try to find out you are baptized or not, and if that is impossible the Church may baptize you supposing that you aren't baptized.
Answer to the question prepared by HE Archbishop Datev GharibianI am not baptized and don't consider me a true Christian although I often go to the Church. Our family has a godfather but he doesn't live in Armenia at present. I know that it isn't good to change godfather but I wish to be baptized. What should I do?
By means of baptism people attain adoption by God and are granted the virtues of the Holy Spirit. By means of participating in the life of the Church people become full and equal members of the Church. Church rites and ceremonies are not only for its members, but for the entire mankind. In the course of the Divine Liturgy there is a special part for those who wish to become true Christians but aren't baptized yet. If your family godfather doesn't live in Armenia and you can't find him you may choose another godfather who will provide spiritual education as that is the godfather's main duty.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Smbat SargsianAre there women priests?
The Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as other traditional churches, doesn't admit women's ordination and service as priests or pastors as there is no such tradition also in the apostolic period of Christ's life or in the period of the first churches. For all traditional Churches commandments of Christ have been neither the result of casualty nor regularities forced by the mentality or social life of the given period. Jesus often totally subverted the notion of laws and gave other interpretations for their usage which reveals His distinct will and order. However, that doesn't mean that our Church doesn't accord importance to the role of women. There have been nuns in the Armenian Church who have received spiritual degree and have become deaconess. They have been trusted the church activity in the field of education, charity and caretaking. And we continue to keep to this sound tradition.
Answer to the question prepared by HE Archbishop Datev GharibianWhy doesn't the Church pray for those who commit suicide?
Suicide is a grave sin as it is murder and profanes the body which doesn't belong to the human being, but to God as according to the Apostle St. Paul "do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Co 6:19-20). The human being may repent for any sin as he/she continues to live, but after suicide he/she is deprived of the chance of penitence and there is noting for it but to wait for God's judgment. "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." (Jn 5:28-29)
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Smbat SargsianMay the patients suffering from AIDS receive Holy Communion in the Church? Maybe God has cursed them?
Holy Communion is given to the sinners for absolution of sins. Sinners may receive Holy Communion also by means of confession and penitence. Those who think that they haven't sinned don't deserve Holy Communion. AIDS is penalty for sins. God hasn't cursed the patients suffering from AIDS, but He has permitted the human beings to be punished for their sins. HIV, the virus of AIDS, has been discovered in the blood of the so called green monkey living in the forests of Central Africa. And we can suppose only how that virus intruded into the human being's blood. However, presently it is proved that the virus is passed from one person to another by means of contact with the sick person's blood and during sexual intercourse. The rate of AIDS such wide spreading testified the human being's disobedience to the divine commandment "You shall not commit adultery." (Ex 20:14).Only in exceptional cases the human being may be infected with HIV when by means of blood transfusion or wound, as well as passing from the sick mother to the fetus by means of the mother's blood. However, the disease is more spread among drug addicts and homosexuals, as they often use the same syringe and are infected during sexual intercourse. Therefore, according to the Apostle St. Paul they receive in themselves the penalty of their error which is due. (See Ro 1:26-27).
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Smbat SargsianWhat significance has the service of blessing of the tomb for Armenian Christian?
It isn't right to go to the graveyard on each opportune or inopportune moment. True Christian must always believe that the human being's soul is immortal. In the course of time body is turned into dust from which it was created. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Gn 2:7). The Armenian Apostolic Church has established special days for visiting the tombs of the dead, paying tribute of respect and praying for the salvation of their souls. Those days are the memorial days following each major church feast. Also people may visit their relatives' tombs on the days of their of birth or death in order to pray for the salvation of soul of the dead. While visiting to the graveyard it is desirable to invite a priest and to order a requiem service for the peace of soul of the dead.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
My brother and his wife don't have offspring. Physicians offer artificial insemination. Is that a sin?
According to the clergy family is a real family if the couple has offspring. So, if people don't have offspring it isn't a sin to have offspring by means of artificial insemination. Both the husband and the wife should realize the seriousness of the problem and come to an agreement. However, there is nothing impossible for God. I know a couple who some time past after artificial insemination had offspring. It's desirable that before making up a decision the couple should go to the Armenian Apostolic Church to receive God's blessing.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
It I already one year that I study the third book of the Prophet Ezra in the Ukrainian website www.zaistinu.ru. Can I read it in Armenian?
The third book of the Prophet Ezra is paracanonical and its Armenian version isn't applicable. It is very emotional, mythological, and abstract although it contains certain truths. However, there is the danger that as the result of recognition of such relative truths the human being will have limited comprehension of God and real truth. Therefore, reading such paraconaical books is not so dangerous if it is done only in the sense of being aware of them. However, they surely can't be the landmark for knowing God.
Answer to the question prepared by Dn. Varazdat Kocharian
What significance has the service of blessing of the tomb for Armenian Christian?
It isn't right to go to the graveyard on each opportune or inopportune moment. True Christian must always believe that the human being's soul is immortal. In the course of time body is turned into dust from which it was created. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Gn 2:7). The Armenian Apostolic Church has established special days for visiting the tombs of the dead, paying tribute of respect and praying for the salvation of their souls. Those days are the memorial days following each major church feast. Also people may visit their relatives' tombs on the days of their of birth or death in order to pray for the salvation of soul of the dead. While visiting to the graveyard it is desirable to invite a priest and to order a requiem service for the peace of soul of the dead.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
It is written in the Holy Bible "... the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." (1 Co 11:3) and that's why women should enter the church with a kerchief on their heads. I am not married yet and I am a virgin. Will I sin entering the church without a kerchief?'
It isn't a sin to enter the church without a kerchief. However, kerchief is a necessary for helping the woman to be in corresponding prayerful state. Therefore, not only married women but also virgins should have kerchief in the church.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Does God hear my prayer if I am not baptized?
Surely God hears your prayer. However, not baptized person is deprived of divine blessings and is subject to various negative influences. Baptism grants a unique chance to feel the presence of God when God is with the human being, in the human being in order to purify him/her from sins, to recognize God and to have the guarantee of being received in the Kingdom of God. Therefore you need to be baptized immediately.
Answer to the question prepared by Dn. Varazdat Kocharian
The Profession of the Faith
This confession of faith was agreed upon by all the churches at the first ecumenical council held in 325 AD in the city of Nicea, near Constantinople. The Nicene Creed is solemnly chanted by all the people as an official declaration of the most important articles of the Church's doctrine. It is essential that all those who have assembled for the Divine Liturgy be of one theological mind.
In what we believe?
We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of God the Father, only-begotten, that is of the substance of the Father. God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten and not made; of the same nature of the Father, by whom all things came into being in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from the heaven, took body, became man, was born perfectly of the holy virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. By whom he took body, soul and mind and everything that is in man, truly and not in semblance. He suffered and was crucified and was buried and rose again on the third day and ascended into heaven with the same body and sat at the right hand of the Father. He is to come with the same body and with the glory of the Father to judge the living and the dead; of His kingdom there is no end. We believe also in the Holy Spirit, the uncreate and the perfect, who spoke through the Law and through the Prophets and through the Gospels; Who came down upon Jordan, preached and through the apostles and dwelled in the saints. We believe also in only one catholic and apostolic holy Church; In one baptism with repentance for the remission and forgiveness of sins; In the resurrection of the dead, in the everlasting judgment of souls and bodies, in the kingdom of heaven and in the life eternal.
God exhorts us to pray secretly: "... when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Mt 6:6). In that case why do we go to the church to pray where many people see us praying?
God never punishes us for obvious prayer. People should know that secret prayer means praying in mind and not demonstratively. The human being may pray in a separate room in his house or in the underground. Prayer in the church according to the Hour-Book means public prayer, that is - prayer among people, in the society. The human being is not only an individual but also a particle of the society. In both cases balanced prayer is important. While prayer in the church its collective nature is revealed and while isolated prayer its individual nature is revealed.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian
I was under the impression that the ceremony of the Blessing of the Holy Chrism is performed only by the Catholicos of All Armenians in Holy Etchmiadzin. But in 2001 I read an article about the ceremony of the Blessing of the Holy Chrism performed by His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia. Please explain.
The ceremony of Blessing of the Holy Chrism is the privilege of the Catholicos. Regardless whether he is the Catholicos of all Armenians or the Catholicos of Cilicia (at the beginning of the 19th century we had 4 Catholicoi all of whom had the right to bless the Holy Chrism), in the Armenian Church it is the prerogative of the Catholicos to consecrate the Holy Chrism and to preside at the consecration of bishops. This applies to any hierarch who has received ordination and ointment by 12 bishops.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian
If the Holy Spirit doesn't ascend on the human being, will his spirit go to hell or will he/she be judged according to his good deeds?
The person being baptized receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit when he/she is anointed with the Holy Chrism during the sacrament of baptism and confirmation. Parts of body are granted special graces while the priest anoints the baptized person's forehead, eyes, ears, nostrils, lips, hands, heart, back and feet. This is means the believer's regeneration by the water and Holy Spirit (See Jn 3:5).
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
During the period of Great Lent due to various circumstances I have told lies, shouted or slandered. What should I do in order to be forgiven?
Sins are forgiven on condition that the human beings should regret sincerely, confess their sins and repent and all these should be done by means of reading the Holy Bible, reading special prayers, attending the Divine Liturgies. They should confess their sins to the priest after which the priest will prescribe compensation. Compensation is a part of the sacrament of penitence. That is, the human being should try to compensate the evil deeds by kind deeds, kindness. For instance to tell the truth instead of lie, to intercede instead of slander, etc.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Dajad Davidian
While making the sign of cross should we move the right hand from the right to the left or vice versa? How should we make the sign of cross in the right way?
While making the sign of cross Armenians move the right hand from the right to the left, whereas Russians and Greeks do the contrary. While making the sign of cross Armenians pray and do the following corresponding movements: for the sake of the Father (the right hand is moved to the forehead), the Son (the right hand is moved down to the chest), the Spirit (the right hand is moved to the left) Holy (the right hand is moved to the right), Amen (the right hand with the opened palm is put on the chest). Russians pray in the following way: for the sake of the Father (the right hand is moved to the forehead), the Son (the right hand is moved down to the chest), the Holy (the right hand is moved to the right) Spirit (the right hand is moved to the left), Amen (the right hand with the opened palm is put n the chest). So, while saying the word "Spirit" Armenians and Russians move the right hand to the left, that is - to the heart, which is considered the "dwelling of the soul." So, there is no essential difference, simply adherents of each Church make the sign of cross as it is accepted in the given Church to do.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
My younger sister suffers from epilepsy and our neighbors say that devils subject her to suffering because of the sins of my drunkard father. Is it possible?
Epilepsy is not a state of being possessed with the devil. It is a neurological disorder, unhealthy state of the brain. It is conditioned by the existence of the so called "activity zones" in the brain which brings about periodical loss of consciousness and cramps. Etiology of the disorder is unknown.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Smbat Sargsian
I love a young man from Lebanon, but my parents wish to marry me with another person. In order to avoid that forced marriage we have decided to go to the church when my comes to Armenia and receiviing God's blessing to get engaged. Will such engagement be acceptable for the church?
You should try to understand your parents and explain them you feelings and your choice. For piece and quiet it is desirable that your parents should understand you amd bless your union. What refers to forced marrige with another person that isn't a sound approach. And what refers to receiving the blessing of the church, it is possible if you are baptized, single and adhere to the same religion. However, parents' blessing is important. Church may bless also in cases when all circustances will be clear.
Answer to the question prepared by Deacon Varazdat Kocharian
My baby doesn't sleep at night. Is that because of evil eye?
If your baby has only recently started to walk then not sleeping at night is natural for him/her. As far as he/she doesn't walk well he/she is afraid of falling down. Sometimes parents or other members of the family play with the baby and throw the baby into the air and catch him/her and it seems to them that the baby likes such game especially if he/she laughs. But in reality that is an awful experience for the baby and that's why when sleeping he/she may periodically suddenly wake up and shout, cry. In such cases people should never appeal to the witches who will harm the baby. Baptism and priest's prayer are very important for the baby's normal development. Sometimes babies at the age of 6-9 months appear in a strained emotional state because of insufficient and improper care and start to wake up suddenly. That is a temporary phenomenon and when the baby starts to walk it disappears. However, in that case, too, babies become the victims of the witches' negative influence because of irresponsible approach to their mental health.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Smbat Sargsian
Almost every night I see my dead grandfather and grandmother in my dreams. All those dreams are in this or that way related to my mother whose health is very important for me. What should I do?
Usually not much importance is accorded to the dreams and the nature of dreams is not studied by any scientist. No priest can distinguish whether this or that dream is from the evil or kind. However, it is necessary to go to the church and to order a requiem service or to invite the clergy to the graveyard in order to perform the ceremony of blessing of the tomb and a requiem service. It is necessary to pray for the souls of the dead as requiem is a whole ceremony of prayers. Nature is God's gift to the people. Let's not forget that Evangelists St. Luke and St. John have been physicians. In general, medicine is God's greatest gift to mankind. Vaccinations which may save human lives, are naturally the same medicine.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Is the Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator used during any ceremony?
The Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator, which is kept in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, is used during the blessing of the Holy Chrism. Besides, on the occasion of the feasts dedicated to the commemoration of St. Gregory the Illuminator the Saint's Right Hand is taken to the people so that people might have the chance to be communicated with that relic.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
Which sins are the mortal?
Mortal are those sins which lead to spiritaual ruin and death. Mortal sins are dangerous as they destroy the human "ego" and what is most important - the soul, which may happen because of not repenting. Mortal are those sins which are directed against the human being and destroy not only the sinner but also the person against whom the sin is committed. For instance, the murderer is already a sinner, and however, it is possible that the victim hasn't managed to repent for his/her sins.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Why isn't the last word of the Lord's Prayer "Amen" translated into other languages? What does it mean?
The word "Amen" is of Aramaean origin which means "let it be". As it is accepted to use that word in that way and it is understandable to everyone just in that sense, it hasn't been translated into any language.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Is it necessary to apply euthanasia in Armenia? What is the attitude of the Church to euthanasia?
No one has the right to terminate another human being's life. Even if the person suffers from an incurable disease or a mental disorder from Christian point of view no one has the right to deprive him/her of life. It is God who grants life. Human life in this world a limited period of time after which the human being nevertheless passes away and in the period of resurrection the human body will be renewed in order to be granted eternal life. And the human body will be free from any disease and unable for sin. It is known that God created the human being not for living a limited period of time but for living forever. Resurrected bodies will be immortal and won't get old. Taking into consideration the above mentioned, is it worth to commit a crime? Eventually, all cases, when the sick are subjected to euthanasia in abroad, are the result of sinful life. That is, during their life they have abused drugs and become addicts, or have abusesd alcohol and become drunkards, or there have been incests as the result of which the punishment for sin is inherited from generation to generation.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
May the adherents of Chalcedonian Churches receive Holy Communion in the Armenian Apostolic Church?
Adherents of Chalcedonian Churches, and among them adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, may receive Holy Communion in the Armenian Apostolic Church and that's a Christian approach.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What are the reasons for not admitting Jehovah's witnesses?
Still in the 4th century the Ecumenical Councils condemned the Christian sectarian doctrine of Aries and his followers who denied the Divine nature of Christ and purported that the only God is the Father and nothing is equal to Him. Today the Jehovah's witnesses continue to act in the spirit of the above-mentioned sect and belittle the Divine nature of Christ. God has no name. The word "Jehovah" was for the first time used in the 12th century, in the paracanonical literature.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
Is there anything written in the Holy Bible about the Holy Trinity?
About the Holy Trinity is mentioned in the Holy Bible form the beginning to the end. If we read the Book of Genesis carefully about the Holy Trinity is mentioned just from the very beginning of creation. During the baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan the Holy Trinity appeared by means of the baptism of the Son and by the evidence of the Father: "And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mt 3:17) and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of dove. And before His Ascension Christ told His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19). In the same way apostles say, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col 3:16-17), "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one... this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son." (1 Jn 5:7, 9). The Holy Trinity is the name of our God.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
Visiting the website www.qahana.am I have become aware of some canons of fasting and however, I wish to know more. Besides refusing from food of animal nature and ill habits, is it necessary to refuse from intimate relations?
The period of Great Lent is a period of repentance and during that period people should refuse from various pleasures. However, pleasures are not always considered sins, on the contrary, they may be blessing. For instance, intimate relationship between husband and wife is God-granted gift. It is the first divine commandment to reproduce and to increase in number, to fill the world. However, because during the period of Great Lent we repent for our sins it is better to refuse from intimate relationship.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr.Dajad Davidian
Why is the cross a sacred relic for us if it has been was used for subjecting Christ to torments? Why do we kiss the cross?
As Apostle St. Peter says, "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Ga 6:14). Armenian ornate cross with the crucified Christ on it symbolizes the eternal rebirth of birth. During their life Christians set hopes on the Lord's salvific mission which was realized on the cross. According to the Church Fathers the tree of life in the Garden of Eden has a cruciform tree.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Babken Hayrapetian
Is it a sin if the young lady is not a virgin before getting married because loving a young man she has had intimate relationship with him but afterwards wishes to marry another young man?
God granted us mouth in order to bless each other. Surely, curse is a sin and demands sincere regret and supposes giving up ill habits. If curse is often repeated then it is proved that the human being is mentally and spiritually insane. It is quite appropriate to mention here the following words of Our Lord: "... love one another; as I have loved you..." (Jn 13:34). When we curse we ignore this commandment. It is necessary to go the Armenian Apostolic Church and to attend the Divine Liturgy, to regret sincerely and confess the sins, as well as to fast and ask God to heal the sick soul as curse disturbs the peace of soul.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersessian
It is known during the period of Great Lent people should abstain from secular pleasures. My brother is going to be engaged on 24th of February. Is it a sin to be engaged that day? By the way, we did not know that it was forbidden to organize feasts during that period.
During the period of Great Lent people should abstain from feasts or banquets, and however, if people haven't been previously informed and are unaware, the Church doesn't forbid them to arrange such ceremonies and events. Simply it is necessary always to remember and to inform friends and relatives that the Great Lent is a period when such events shouldn't be planned and organized.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Can the Armenian Apostolic Church provide shelter for a foreigner for a short period of time?
The Armenian Apostolic Church has no hotels or hostels to provide shelter for emigrants, travelers or foreigners.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Who is Melchizedek whose name is mentioned in the Holy Bible? It is known that he has been the first priest before Abraham. In the New Testament it is written that he is immortal.
Melchizedek's image is the most symbolic one in the Holy Scriptures as there is nothing mentioned about his nationality or adherence to any religious beliefs. It is known that he knew about true God. His priesthood is considered eternal and he is compared with Christ. In the New Testament it is mentioned about Melchizedek in the Letter to the Hebrews (see He 5:10).
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
I am divorced and I have read in the Holy Bible that being divorced is equal to fornication and that man wishing to get married to a divorced woman fornicates, too. I have a boyfriend and wish to get married to him. Do I sin in that case?
In the past, when that commandment was formulated, divorce was allowed only in case of adultery. Husband divorced his unfaithful wife: "It has been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:" (Mt 5:31). Naturally it was forbidden to get married to such a woman so that it should be instructive experience for the others. And whoever married am unfaithful woman he fornicated, too. However, presently there are many reasons for divorce and that is deplorable phenomenon. You may get married to your boyfriend and in that case the sacrament of marriage itself will symbolize chastity and wisdom. Therefore both of you should pray God asking your marriage and union to be firm and stable.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What is inferiority complex?
Only God is perfect, and it is natural that each human being has demerits. Human beings confess their sins to God. In fact that is the real factor in case of true appreciation of which they obtain Christ's peace and provide their salvation. If you are surrounded by proud, ignorous, immoral persons and scoundrels, who consider themselves perfect and blameless, they are in the state of self-delusion as they feel provided from demerits.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian
February 19 - to April 8 - Period of Great lent
The period starting from the day following the Great Barekendan and lasting till the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is called Great Lent. In the period of the Great Lent, people, refraining from bodily pleasures and sins, get prepared for the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ by means of abstinence and repentance. Both spiritual and moral and bodily abstinence are considered to be important. Our church fathers have called the period of the Great Lend as "Karasnordats", as the period of fasting lasts 40 days. This period of the Great Lent is also called "Salt and bread", as in the past during the period of the Great Lent people have eaten only salt and bread. In the New and old Testaments there are many testimonies concerning the period of Great Lent. Moses fasted for forty days and only then received the Lord's rules and canons. However, this period is related to 40-day period of temptation of Christ in the desert, following which our Church fathers established this period of fasting. Fasting may be of three kinds: usual fasting, rigorous abstinence and absolute fasting. In case of usual fasting people can eat only food of vegetable origin. In case of rigorous fasting people refuse to eat any food even of vegetable origin. And in case of absolute fasting people refuse to eat any kind of food, including even bread and water. During the period of the Great Lent curtains in the churches are closed in commemoration of the fact that after sinning Adam was exiled from Eden and the doors were closed before him.
My daughter is 4-months-old. Is it possible to baptize her without a godfather? I wish to add that we haven't been married according to the church sacrament of marriage.
It is desirable and obligatory first of all to get married according to the church sacrament of marriage. For being baptized the baby should have a godfather. According to the canon of the Armenian Apostolic Church the baby should be baptized when he/she is 8-days-old. However, when that is impossible, the baby should be baptized as soon as possible so that he/she should become true Christian.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob Khachatrian
Is it a sin to give birth to offspring without being married? Should the woman refuse of any chance of being blessed with motherhood and stay alone the whole life? Whereas giving birth to offspring can affect the population growth and why not, the psychological health of the nation.
In the Holy Bible it is clearly written that God commands the human beings to multiply and give birth to offspring by means of creating family. However, Christian canon doesn't admit the idea of giving birth to offspring without getting married as it is lewdness. If a married man has extramarital relations and wishes to have offspring he sins. That way of giving birth to offspring surely doesn't affect population's growth. In the course of history there have always been women who haven't got married and given birth to offspring because of this or that reason, and however, that hasn't brought to the population's decrease. In my opinion, your variant will not contribute to the improvement of the nation's psychological health, but on the contrary, it will distort the nation's moral-psychological mentality.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
I believe in God. Is the organization "Word of Life" a sect or not?
Faith is necessary during the human being's whole life and it should be strengthened and give fruit by means of spiritual virtues and the sacraments of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Each nation has its way to God, so the organization "Word of Life" is an imported phenomenon and alien to our nation's spiritual life. It is the result of Protestantism and is considered to be a sect.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Hakob Khachatrian
What is the attitude of the Armenian Apostolic Church to the marriage with a non-Christian? Is it better to get married to an unbelieving person according to the sacrament of marriage only for the sake of appearance or to a non-Christian faithful?
The Armenian Apostolic Church doesn't perform the sacrament of marriage for a couple in which one of the two persons isn't its adherent, that is - he/she isn't baptized and hence isn't a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Sometimes people go to the church just for the sake of appearance but no one has the right to measure the degree of their faith. Only God knows who really believes in Him. Maybe your approach is acceptable according to human criteria, but it is necessary to speak about Christian values and to approach them only from Christian viewpoint.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
Who has been St. John the Forerunner (The Baptist) and are there churches in Armenia named after the saint?
The word "Forerunner" means "Leader" and therefore all churches named after St. John the Baptist and called also "St. Forerunner" The Church of St. John the Baptist (The Forerunner) of Kond district of Yerevan was built in 1710, in the place of a medieval church ruined as the result of a destructive earthquake. It was built by a rich man, Melik Aghamal, living in Yerevan. By the way, in the village Arshaluys, Armavir district, there is also the church of St. John the Forerunner.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Karapet Gelejian
2007 year is the year of Pig. Can people eat pork during the festive days of the New Year?
According to the Armenian Apostolic Church the period lasting from December 30 to January 5 is fasting period preceding the Feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ and therefore people shouldn't eat meat and any food of animal origin. If people wish not to be mistaken they should know that Eastern horoscope and forbidden meals are so senseless that they hinder people to understand what is true and important in everyday life. So, being a true Christian and simply a clever person, the human being shouldn't pay attention to such things. Basing on spiritual and mental abilities the human being should examine himself/herself, reveal the kind and the evil, evaluate what is important for the human being and start the New Year with new and stable values. We should always remember that we should meet the New Year by prayer.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon GhevondianWhy do the Christian Churches celebrate the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ on various days?
The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ on January 6. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ on December 25. Before the 4th century all Christians celebrated the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ on January 6. However, even after adopting Christianity Romans continued to celebrate heathen feasts. The thing is that on December 25 the feast dedicated to the worship of son was solemnly celebrated. In order to hinder the celebration of heathen feasts in 336 the Roman Catholic Church officially proclaimed December 25 as the day of birth of Jesus Christ. Later the day of birth of Jesus Christ was moved to December 25 in Assyria and almost in all parts of the east, and January 6 remained as the day of the Holy Nativity and Theophany and Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only the Armenian Apostolic Church has remained loyal to the ancient tradition and evangelical calculations and celebrates the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ jointly on January 6.
Why does the period of fast coincide with the period of New Year?
According to the Armenian Apostolic Church the week preceding the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ - December 30-January 5 - is fasting period and people eat food of exceptionally vegetable origin. According to the old Armenian Calendar the New Year was celebrated of August 11 which didn't coincide with the fasting period. Later the new calendar was accepted and as the result of it people started to celebrate the New Year on December 31 which coincided with the period of fast preceding the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The period of fast comes to end in the evening of January 5 when a candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated and the great tiding of Jesus' birth is proclaimed to the faithful. People greet each other saying, "Christ is Born and Revealed! Blessed is the Revelation of Christ."
What is Candlelight Divine Liturgy?
It is interesting that the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ starts on the evening of January 5 as the church day changes at 17:00 p.m., after the evening service. So the celebration of the feast starts in the evening of January 5 and is continued on January 6. In the evening of January 5 candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated in all Armenian churches. It is interesting that candlelight Divine Liturgy is celebrated only twice during the year - on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ and on the eve of the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In the evening of that day people take to their homes candles lit in the church symbolizing the divine light and the blessing of the Church. Lighting candles symbolizes also the light of Bethlehem star leading the magi from the east to the Baby Jesus.
Ceremonies related to the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
On January 6, following the Divine Liturgy, the Armenian Church also offers a special Blessing of the Waters Service to celebrate the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. The wonder-working water blessed by means of cross and Holy Chrism is distributed to the faithful for spiritual and bodily healing. Among the ceremonies related to the feast is the Blessing of the Home Service. After the Feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ people invite clergy to their homes and offices to receive the life-giving tiding and divine blessing. Blessing of the Home Service is performed also when the peace of home is disturbed and the presence of evil forces is felt. January 7, as well as all the days following the major church feasts are memorial days (or days of Remembrance of the dead). On January 7 (and all memorial days) a special Repose of Souls Service is offered in memory of the dead after which people go the graveyards to pay visit to their relatives' tombs. The ceremonies related to the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ are concluded on January 13, the Feast of Naming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am 23 and I am going to marry a person who is divorced. It is my desire to get married in the church and to receive God's blessing. Is it possible?
If divorce is legal then it is possible to get married in the church and to receive God's blessing without any problem. However, if one of the couple is getting married for the second time, then he/she should present the certificate of divorce of the first marriage and should have the permission of the primate of the given diocese for getting married for the second time. In that case there should be no problem for getting married in the church. No one is guilty for his/her personal failure. Each person has the chance to start a new life.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
There is a convent in the Church of St. Hripsime of Vagharshapat (Hoy Etchmiadzin), where seven nuns live. Is it possible to be acquainted with them by means of Internet sites?
Naturally, it is impossible to be communicated with the nuns by means of Internet sites. They have become nuns in order to keep away of temptations and pleasures of life in order to serve the needy. Their task is serving in various hospitals or orphanages and praying day and night.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
I believe in God, attend the Divine Liturgies each Sunday and various courses organized by the Church. My friend doesn't understand me. What can I do and how can I persuade him to attend to the Church?
First of all it is necessary to pray that he should know God. It is not necessary to speak about God and Church in his presence as such conversation may have the opposite effect and may arouse negative attitude towards God and the Church. Success can be achieved only by means of love and humility. No one has the right to persuade another one to attend the church. God needs only devoted hearts. Everything should be done patiently and wisely, as one day God will bless the human being's efforts.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
May any faithful preach and spread the Word of God? I am aware that clergy of our Church study for many years and are ordained for that goal.
Each person may spread the Word of God, but he/she shouldn't proclaim himself/herself to be the only true preacher and the spiritual pastor telling the truth. One may explain his/her friends, relatives and neighbors the Christian truth and that will be a sacred duty. Today becoming pastor and preacher shouldn't be restricted only by the vocation of soul. As this century is century of information, preacher should be aware of everything in order not only to be able to spread the Word of God but also to make it understandable for each person independent of his/her stratum and profession. So, in order to become a skilled preacher many years are needed. Therefore, the preacher should be not only a faithful and pious person, but also a person with corresponding knowledge and education such as the present-day spiritual servants of the Armenian Apostolic Church. However, this doesn't mean that if someone has the wish to explain the doctrine of the Armenian Church to his/her friends, relatives and neighbors, he/she hasn't the right to do it. He/she may bring the interested persons to the church, acquaint them with the priests and exhort them to seek for spiritual advice. This also is a service to God.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What is the difference between the Armenian Apostolic and the Armenian Evangelical Churches? Is the Armenian Evangelical Church considered to be a sect?
Although the Armenian Evangelical Church isn't considered to be a sect, its activity is sectarian. That is, its main goal is multiplying the number of its adherents on the account of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In other words, they are proselityzing, which is forbidden by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. Although the Armenian Evangelicals claim that the Armenian Apostolic Church is the Mother Church and they constantly pray for the clergy, however, they fix the hours of their worship services on Sundays so that the faithful shouldn't be able to attend the Divine Liturgy which is the most important sacrament for each Christian.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
What is the difference between the Armenian Apostolic, the Orthodox and the Catholic Churches?
Armenian Apostolic Church is a branch of the Universal Church from which it was separated as the result of the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon of 451 during which a new definition of faith about Christ's "two natures" was adopted. The Armenian Apostolic Church admits Christ as God and man in one and the same person, and the Catholics, the Orthodox and the Protestants admit Christ separately as a God when He works wonders and as a man when He suffers. The Catholics and the Protestants were separated in 1054 because of the disagreements concerning the Holy Spirit. Catholics consider that the Holy Spirit derives equally from the Father and the Son, whereas the Orthodox insist on the Holy Spirit's being derived from the Father and only temporarily revealed by means of the Son. Later disagreements between the Catholics, the Orthodox and the Protestants became more profound and of various nature.
Answer to the question prepared by Hovik Hovhannissian, Lecturer of the Faculty of Theology of Yerevan State University
What is penitence?
Penitence is one of the 7 sacraments of the Armenian Apostolic Church in which the penitent confesses his/her sins, mistakes and receives forgiveness from the priest. It is called also confession. Penitence is the sacrament of righteousness and purity, by means of which the penitent conscientiously regrets and sincerely confesses and is deserved absolution of sins. Jesus Christ accorded great importance to the idea of penitence and confession existing in the Old Testament (See Jl 2:12-14, Nu 7:58, Lv 5:4:8). His words concerning penitence are repeatedly mentioned in the New Testament: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Mt 4:17), "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." (Lk 13:3). The three conditions of the sacrament of penitence are firstly - sincere, conscientious and true repentance for sins, secondly - confession, that is - admitting the sin, and thirdly - retribution and atonement corresponding to the seriousness of sins. By means of confessing the person receives forgiveness: "Present your case to prove you are in the right!" (Is 43:26). In the first centuries adherents of the Christian Church confession was made mainly publicly, and sometimes - individually. In the Catholic Church the person confesses his/her sins to the clergy. The same order has existed in the Armenian Church. According to the canon 19 of the II ecclesiastical council convened in Dvin the priest who told secretly confessed to him sins to another person was defrocked. According to the canon 18 of the same council the priest was not allowed to receive any payment for confession. Later in the Armenian Church individual confession has been replaced by public or collective confession. In the Armenian Church the celebrant priest before ascending the holy altar publicly confesses his sin to the people in attendance: "I confess before God and the Holy Mother-of-God and before all the saints and before you, fathers and brethren, all the sins that I have committed..." (according to the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church). According to the doctrine of the Armenian Church confession is made in the Church, in the presence of God's servant - confessor. Only ordained priest has the right to give absolution of sins. Prior to receiving Holy Communion faithful kneel before the priest, and one of them or the priest read from the Hour-Book the series of sins starting with the prayer "I have sinned, Most Holy Trinity". At the end of each section the rest repeat the following words: "I have sinned". In response priest says: "May God grant you absolution of sins." Then psalms of penitence are read. Priest prays asking God to hear the sinner's supplication and confession turning him/her into the temple of the Holy Spirit and afterwards the priest turns to the west and recites the text of renouncement for three times. Afterwards everybody turn to the east and recite the profession of the faith. Only after all these the repenting person is purified and receives absolution of sins and is prepared to receive Holy Communion. In the Armenian Church Wednesdays and Fridays are fasting days and therefore - also days of penitence. The period of Great Lent also is a period of penitence. In the past the Armenian Church had a special day for penitence - Holy Thursday, when the Unction of the Penitents was performed following which a Divine Liturgy was celebrated symbolizing the establishment of the Sacrament of Communion.
Answer to the question prepared according to Encyclopedia "Christian Armenia"
Is the Armenian Evangelical Church a sect? If not, how to distinguish sects and sectarians if only the fact of their functioning separate from the Armenian Apostolic Church is insufficient?
According to the information of the Encyclopedia "Christian Armenia" (p. 550) on June 21, 1846, Abp. Matteos Choukhajian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople (later Catholicos of All Armenians in 1858-65) has issued his Pontifical Encyclical of anathematization concerning dismemberment and excommunication of the Armenian Evangelical Church. Christian Church was founded by Christ by means of the apostles. Christ granted his apostles the power of founding churches, preaching and performing sacraments. Apostles conveyed that power by means of ordination. The Armenian Evangelical (Protestant) Church hasn't preserved that hierarchy and has no power of founding churches, preaching and performing sacraments. Therefore, the Armenian Evangelical Church is considered a religious organization, but not a Church. Those religious organizations which taking doctrinal ideas from the traditional churches, provide their own interpretations and haven't the power granted to the apostles by Christ, are sects. According to the Evangelicals (Protestants) church is a place where people are assembled in the name of Christ. In reality church is the union of the Creator and the human being. When God created the universe, the angels and the human being, God was in all of them and all of them were in God. The human being was excommunicated because of sin. By means of Christ the human being gained the chance to restore communication with God. Church is the place where the relationship between God and the human being is restored. That's why the clergy exhort people first of all to attend the church, to be a member of the Church. Church is the God's kingdom on the earth. The human being can't be Christian if he/she isn't communicated with the sacraments and life of the Church.
Answer to the question prepared by Acolyte Souren Nersissian
It is undeniable truth that God is identified with the Holy Trinity. Would you be so kind to explain what is the Holy Spirit? I mean, what changes happen to a person when the Holy Spirit descends on him/her? I have come across people saying that the Holy Spirit has descended on them and they speak in strange tongues.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity and the grantor of virtues. Having in mind the Holy Spirit Christ said before His Crucifixion that He would leave, but He would send the Consoler. Coming, the Consoler first of all granted the apostles the virtue of speaking in strange tongues. However, speaking in strange tongues isn't the only virtue displaying the activity of the Holy Spirit, as besides it the Holy Spirit grants the virtue of healing, prophecy, knowledge, teaching and other gifts. Apostle St. Paul speaks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his first letter to Corinthians, in the chapter 14, verses 1-19. Presently we admit that according to our doctrine during the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation the Holy Spirit descends upon the person being baptized and grants him/her gifts. Those gifts and virtues may be obviously displayed immediately or later during the life of the baptized person.
Answer to he question prepared by Fr. Shmanvon Ghevondian
Are Adventists true Christians or sectarians if it is known that they are granted the virtue of speaking strange tongues?
It is true that the Holy Spirit grants the virtue of speaking strange tongues, and however, it doesn't mean that Adventists are true Christians. During their worship services they speak strange tongues, but it doesn't mean that they do it under the influence of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, if someone strange visits the place where Adventists assemble, he/she will be horrified, as people assembled there don't receive the virtue of speaking languages but they speak under the influence of the devil. No one understands what they speak about. Adventists behave like demoniacs and try to ascribe their behavior to God's power and influence. People should avoid of becoming a member of Adventists' organization. Maybe the members of that organization are kind and faithful, and however, they are mistaken and astrayed from the true way. In short, it seems to them that they are granted divine virtues, but in reality they are under the influence of the devil. If someone wishes to know truth, he/she should go to the clergy of the Armenian apostolic Church and talk to them.
Answer to he question prepared by Fr. Shmanvon Ghevondian
The Holy Bible exhorts us not to believe in fate. Each human being is born having free will. For instance, God said to Jacob: "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you." (Gn 35:11-12). In that case how does it happen that the human being is the master of his fate?
Yes, God made a promise to Abraham. However, that doesn't mean that God had already determined his fate. Abraham had free will and he might refuse and thus no nation or community of nations would be his descendants. God promised but it didn't mean that promise should be realized by force. The promise made to Abraham was realized only thanks to Abraham's free will. So, the notion of fate is completely incompatible with Christianity.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
God is Love. How could God bless or curse people in the Old Testament?
God is really Love. However, we shouldn't forget that God is righteous. Many people think that the idea of God's being Love is related to his forgiveness and tolerance towards everything. God doesn't curse the human being but condemns the sin. God clearly shows the ways by means of which the human being deserves a blessing or a curse: "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse - the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known." (Dt 11:26-28).
Answer to the question prepared by Stole-bearer Garik Asrian
Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ on January 6, the Russian Orthodox Church - on January 7, and the Roman Catholic Church - on December 25. What is the reason for various Churches celebrating the feast on various days?
Initially, when Christ came to this world as a Savior and God 9 feasts were jointly celebrated during the period from the evening services starting in the evening of January 5 and lasting till January 13. Later some feasts, including the Feast of the Lord's presentation to the temple of Jerusalem and the Feast of Annunciation to St. Mary, Holy Mother of God, were separated and had their special days. However, the key events of the Feast of Theophany - Feast of Nativity and Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ were celebrated on January 6. Since the 4th century upon the resolution of the Roman Catholic Church the Feast of Nativity was celebrated on December 25 and Baptism - on January 6, in order to make people to forget about the birthday of the god Sun or Mitra which was celebrated on December 25. This was conditioned also by the difficulty facing the community of Jerusalem and the pilgrims. Holy Nativity was celebrated in Bethlehem and Baptism - near the river Jordan, and the limited quantity of transport means created difficulties. Only the Armenian Apostolic Church didn't agree with that canon adopted by the Greek and the Latin Churches and remained faithful to its tradition. The Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the Serbian and the Georgian Orthodox Churches of Jerusalem celebrate the Feast of Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the old calendar which coincides with the date of January 7 (Holy Nativity) and January 19 (Baptism) according to the new calendar.
Answer to the question prepared by Stole-bearer Garik Asrian
According to the Gospel of Mark Christ said to his disciples: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (Mk. 16:15-18). Clergy say that nobody has the right to put hand on the sick person's head with the goal of healing. However, many cases are known when a person has healed another person thanks to faith. Does it happen thanks to satanic might?
No layman has the right to heal by means of putting his/her hand on another person's head, to drive out demons, to give absolution of sins. As it is clearly mentioned in the above-cited verses, Christ granted that power only to his 12 disciples. Reading the Acts of the Apostles we learn about the careful attitude of the apostles towards that power granted to them. That is, if they had to pass that power to another person by means of ordination, first of all they examined that person so that no impious person should be granted that power. Therefore, as Christ passed that power to the apostles they passed it to the clergy. So, lay persons can't have such power. And if lay persons realize such healings, then it is thanks to the might of Satan. And if the person sincerely and piously prays for the health of his/her neighbor, relative or friend, God surely hears the prayer and fulfils the wish. However that is not priesthood, but only the result of sincere faith and prayer.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Yessayi Artenian
In the church each person burns the candle which he/she has bought. Is it a sin if a person burns the candle which his/her brother or friend has bought?
No, it isn't a sin. However, the sense of burning a candle is offering a small sacrifice to the Church. It is better that each person should burn a candle which he/she has bought. However, it is not burning a candle in the church that is important, but prayer is important.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Yessayi Artenian
Is it true that the person who is not baptized can't be saved?
By means of baptism each person becomes Christian and gets rid of initial (Adamic) sin. A sinful person can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, baptism is the only way ofgetting rid of initial (Adamic) sin. I can't understand those who say that they believe in God and they don't need to be baptized. Such people don't believe that the true faithful should necessarily be baptized and become a member of the church.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Yessayi Artenian
What is the religion of the Yezidi nation? Can an Armenian woman marry a Yezidi man?
Yezidis are Zoroastrians, they worship the sun. In Yezidis' holy places may be the statue of Satan. They don't believe in Satan, but ask Satan not to harm. Yezidis' God is sun. They worship the sun as a symbol of light. According to the canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church marriage with a Yezidi person is allowed only if the young man or woman refuses his/her religion and being baptized in the Armenian Apostolic Church becomes a member of Armenian Church.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Yessayi Artenian
What does the expression "previous life" mean? How many lives can a human being have?
The human being has no previous life. That expression comes from Buddhism and means that before the birth of the human being his/her soul has been born several times. Not wishing to offend the followers of the other religions, let's say that it is only a senseless tale. According to the Armenian Apostolic Church and Christianity, the human being's soul is unique and inimitable and it doesn't need rebirth, as after the death of the human being soul is immortal in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Answer to the question prepared by Fr. Shmavon Ghevondian
I wish to be baptized on the eve of the Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Isn't it forbidden to be baptized that day?
Baptism is a sacrament the performance of which isn't forbidden any day. Baptism symbolizes the human being's spiritual birth. That's why no fasting day, feast day or eve of feast day can be an obstacle for baptism. For being baptized the human being should understand that baptism is necessary for his/her soul's spiritual birth. If the person being baptized is adult he/she should first of all find a godfather who should be his/her spiritua
