On June 22, 431, St. Cyril of Alexandria opened the first session of a council of bishops at Ephesus. What would be the Third Ecumenical Council was later overshadowed by the schism precipitated by the fourth, Chalcedon. At the time, …
“You were instructed by the Apostle Thaddeus and stood firm in the true faith, not confusing it with the pagan religions, you are worthy to ascend to the Father.” –Hymn to St. Sandukht Women feature prominently in all the …
In a rapidly changing world, how do you face the uncertainties of tomorrow? Scientific and technological developments have impacted all aspects of life. Adjusting to these changes is essential for survival. What choices must we make as we adjust, and …
Made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, the ark of the covenant contained the two tablets of the Ten Commandments. Built so that it could be carried with poles inserted into rings on the ark, the Israelites carried …
“The Armenian Apostolic Church” is one of the most common ways we describe our Church. Sometimes we call it the “Armenian Orthodox Church” or simply the “Armenian Church” or the “Church of Armenia.” Each of these ways of naming the …
“Separation of Church and State,” as the common phrase runs, is enshrined as one of the fundamental tenets of the United States of America. While the phrase “separation of Church and State” is not found directly in the Constitution or …
There are three major commemorations for St. Gregory the Illuminator. Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church are commemorated on saints’ days, placed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays. Saturdays are normally reserved for “major” saints: The Apostles of Christ, the …
Usually, when we think about St. Nersess, it is the beloved twelfth century hymnist and scholar St. Nersess Shnorhali who comes to mind. The alphabetic Առաւօտ լուսոյ (Aravod Luso, known as the “Hymn for the Morning”) or his acrostic Նորաստեղծեալ …
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided …
The Word gave the command to create on the second day in the beginning… Armenian hymns such as this song of St. Nersess sung on Tuesday mornings, stress the fundamental role of God as Creator of Heaven and Earth. The …