The Armenian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, which is a communion of churches that separated from the rest of Christendom after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. The Armenian Church is based in Armenia but has followers all over the world.
According to tradition, the Armenian Church was founded in the 1st century AD by two of Jesus’ twelve apostles – Thaddeus and Bartholomew. They preached the gospel in Armenia and converted the Armenian king Abgar V and many of his subjects to Christianity. This makes Armenia one of the first nations to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
The Bible does not provide direct evidence for the apostolic founding of the Armenian Church. However, there are several passages that suggest an early Christian presence in Armenia:
- “And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” (Acts 16:6) – Some scholars believe “Phrygia” refers to parts of ancient Armenia.
- “Greetings to my true child in the faith, Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Timothy 1:2) – Timothy’s convert Grace is said to have been from Armenia.
- “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him).” (Colossians 4:10) – Aristarchus was likely from Thessalonica in Macedonia, which had close ties to Armenia.
While not conclusive, these verses suggest an early apostolic mission to Armenia. Church tradition holds that Thaddeus and Bartholomew traveled through Armenia around AD 40-60 and planted many churches.
Key Beliefs
The Armenian Church shares many core doctrinal beliefs with other Christian churches. Some of the key tenets include:
- The Bible – The Armenian Church recognizes the 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books accepted by Protestants. 1 Enoch is also considered a part of the Bible.
- Creeds – The Armenian Church accepts the early ecumenical creeds like the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed.
- Trinity – God is understood as one eternal being existing as three distinct persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Incarnation – Jesus is the Son of God made flesh, fully God and fully human.
- Theotokos – Mary is considered the Birthgiver of God and an important saint.
- Original Sin – Humans inherit the consequences of the fall but not Adam’s guilt. This is a point of divergence from Catholic/Protestant doctrine.
- Free Will – Humans have free will to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation.
However, the Armenian Church diverges from other churches on some important issues:
- Council of Chalcedon – The Armenian Church rejects this 451 AD council and the idea that Christ has two natures.
- Icons – Veneration of icons and saints is an important part of Armenian worship.
- The Church – The Armenian Church is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, distinct from Eastern Orthodoxy or Catholicism.
Worship and Practices
Worship services in the Armenian Church follow the ancient liturgy developed in the early centuries of Christianity. Here are some of the main features:
- Liturgy – The Badarak (Divine Liturgy) has roots dating back to the 4th century AD. It involves hymns, prayers, processions and the Eucharist.
- Language – Classical Armenian is used in liturgy, though modern dialects may also be present.
- Vestments – Clergy wear elaborate vestments during services to represent the glory of God’s kingdom.
- Incense – Incense representing prayers rising to heaven is used liberally during Armenian services.
- Fasts – Fasting periods include Great Lent before Easter, the Fast of St. Gregory, and Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Sacraments – The Armenian Church has seven sacraments, including baptism, Eucharist, confession, marriage, ordination, confirmation with holy muron oil.
- Calendar – The Armenian Church uses its own liturgical calendar dating back to the 4th century.
- Cross – A unique form of the cross with angled arms and a circle is used, symbolizing the redemption of the world.
In addition to structured worship, personal Bible reading, prayer, and piety are encouraged. Armenian Christians are expected to participate in the sacraments and live out their faith.
History
The Armenian Church has a long history going back to apostolic times. Here are some of the major historical events:
- 1st century – According to tradition, Armenia is evangelized by apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus.
- 301 AD – Armenia becomes the first country to make Christianity its state religion under King Tiridates III.
- 428-431 – The Armenian alphabet is created by Mesrop Mashtots to translate the Bible.
- 451 – The Council of Chalcedon causes the Armenian Church to break from the other churches.
- 301-884 – The Armenian Church develops its unique liturgy and traditions.
- 989 – An independent Armenian Catholicosate is established at Etchmiadzin.
- 13th-14th centuries – The Armenian kingdom in Cilicia flourishes as a center of Armenian culture.
- 1915 – Over a million Armenians killed in the Armenian Genocide during World War I.
Despite periods of invasion and oppression, the Armenian Church has survived and remains an important Christian tradition today.
Significant Figures
Several notable figures have shaped the Armenian Church over the centuries:
- St. Gregory the Illuminator (257-331) – Brought Armenia’s King Tiridates III to Christianity, became the first Catholicos and patron saint of Armenia.
- St. Mesrop Mashtots (362–440) – Invented the Armenian alphabet and translated the Bible, allowing Armenia to become the first Christian nation with a national church.
- St. Nerses the Great (d. 373) – Catholicos who helped convene the Council of Ashtishat that set rules for the Armenian Church.
- Catholicoi in Etchmiadzin – Heads of the Armenian Church based at the mother church in Armenia. Notable ones include Kevork IV, George IV Kostandin, and Karekin II.
- Gregory of Narek (950–1003) – Armenian monk, poet, and theological writer. He is a saint in both the Armenian Church and Catholic Church.
Comparison to Other Traditions
The Armenian Church differs from Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism in a few ways:
- It rejects the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) that declared Christ has two natures.
- There are theological differences like the doctrine of original sin.
- The liturgy and traditions are distinct with unique prayers, hymns, calendars, crosses, etc.
- Married priests are allowed unlike Eastern Orthodox churches.
- Papal primacy and authority is also rejected.
However, the Armenian Church has more similarities with the older Orthodox and Catholic traditions than with Protestant groups. It upholds the Ecumenical Councils, retains a structured clergy, venerates saints and relics, and emphasizes sacraments, fasting, and continuity with the early apostolic church.
Global Reach
There are around 9 million Armenian Orthodox Christians worldwide. Most reside in Armenia, but significant diaspora populations exist in:
- Russia – about 2.5 million
- United States – around 1 million
- France – 600,000
- Georgia – 500,000
- Ukraine – 350,000
- Lebanon – 250,000
- Iran – 200,000
- Turkey – 80,000
- Syria – 70,000
The Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin) is the central organization of the Armenian Church. It has two catholicoi with one serving as the supreme head and Catholicos of All Armenians based in Armenia at Etchmiadzin Cathedral. The other is the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia based in Antelias, Lebanon.
Relationships with Other Churches
The Armenian Church has an intricate relationship with various denominations:
- It is part of the Oriental Orthodox communion along with Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Malankara Indian churches who reject Chalcedon.
- Dialogue continues between the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches in hope of overcoming the Chalcedonian schism.
- Relations with the Catholic Church have been improving as evidenced by a Common Declaration with Pope John Paul II in 1996.
- Pope Francis and Catholicos Karekin II signed a joint declaration of religious unity in 2016.
- The Armenian Church has official dialogue with many Protestant denominations like Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, etc.
While formal reunion is unlikely soon, relations have generally been improving between the Armenian Church and other Christian groups.
Challenges
Some current issues and challenges facing the Armenian Church include:
- Genocide aftermath – Much of the Armenian cultural heritage was destroyed during the 1915 genocide by the Ottoman Turks resulting in a fragmented diaspora.
- Interchurch marriage – Mixed marriages between Armenian Orthodox and other Christians are problematic due to issues of communal identity.
- Secularism – Increasing secularism in Armenia and diaspora communities threatens church attendance and growth.
- Emigration – High emigration from Armenia depletes the number of clergy and worshippers.
- Turmoil in the Middle East – Conflicts in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq endanger Armenian Orthodox populations in those areas.
By drawing on its ancient roots and liturgical identity, the Armenian Church continues to persevere in the face of modern challenges. It occupies a unique position as one of the oldest churches in the world.
