Alexandria is a city almost synonymous with learning. The Library of Alexandria was the foremost repository of the written word in the ancient world. It was most likely established by Ptolemy II, ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt between 308 and 246 …
Right before St. Stephen is stoned to death, the Book of Acts tells us that “he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this against them.’” (Acts 7:60). This prayer, moments before his martyrdom, should …
Every Armenian is familiar with ԿոմիտասՎարդապետ, Komitas/Gomidas Vartabed, revered musicologist and priest of the Armenian Church, whose 150th anniversary of birth we celebrate this year. While his collection and transcription of folk songs are perhaps his most important legacy, he …
Last week, we discussed the խազ/khaz, the enigmatic signs dotting the liturgical books of the Armenian Apostolic Church. For centuries, these were the only system of notating Armenian liturgical music, the only way of writing down melodies and rhythms that …
Every deacon and many choir members have encountered the enigmatic symbols in the pages of liturgical books such as the Շարակնոց/Sharagnots (Hymnal) or the Ժամագիրք/Jamakirk (Book of Hours). They appear as squiggles and lines above and between the rows of …
Today, after the example of Adam, the first-created, who was rejoicing in the Garden of delight with the angels, let us rejoice too in spiritual praise. -Midday Hymn for “New Sunday,” in Tone 8 New Sunday in the Armenian …
Holy Communion is the GREATEST GIFT and both the Source and Summit of our Life. Bestower of mercy, grant that I may come to You with orthodox faith, with good works and by the Communion of Your Holy Body and …
“The eyes of the Armenians speak long before the lips move and long after they cease to.” – Arshile Gorky (Vostanik Manoug Adoian, 1904-48) What do your eyes say? What language does your life speak? In the world of visual …
Most of us are familiar with the season of Advent, the period of time in the church calendar when many faithful prepare and look forward to the coming of Christ, celebrated on Christmas. Some of us may even participate in …