{"id":2353,"date":"2014-09-02T14:34:38","date_gmt":"2014-09-02T18:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stjameswatertown.org\/?page_id=2353"},"modified":"2014-10-04T12:21:10","modified_gmt":"2014-10-04T16:21:10","slug":"divine-liturgy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stjameswatertown.org\/test\/worship\/divine-liturgy\/","title":{"rendered":"Divine Liturgy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"badarak\"<\/p>\n

Introduction to the\u00a0Divine Liturgy<\/h3>\n

The Divine Liturgy is the main worship service of the Armenian Church.\u00a0 But the Badarak<\/em>, as we call it in Armenian, is much more than that.\u00a0 It provides the most intimate encounter we can have with God in this life.\u00a0 In the Divine Liturgy, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, comes to his people\u2014to you and me\u2014in two forms: First, by his Word, in the reading of the holy Gospel; and second, by his holy Body and Blood, in Holy Communion.\u00a0 These two actions\u2014the reading of the Word of God, and the reception of Holy Communion\u2014are the two pillars or building blocks of the Divine Liturgy in all ancient, apostolic churches.
\nSupported by these two pillars is a magnificent structure of words, music, symbols, and rituals.\u00a0 For those unfamiliar with it, the Divine Liturgy can seem like a bewildering array of disjointed movements and rituals, and arcane theological terminology.\u00a0 The complex interplay of the celebrant priest, the deacons, the other altar servers, the choir, and the people might lead one to overlook the logic and purpose of the Divine Liturgy, and to miss its very real benefits.<\/p>\n

Back in the 10th century, the great Armenian theologian Khosrov Antsevatsi eloquently described the importance of the Divine Liturgy when he wrote: \"Since those who confess and show repentance receive atonement by means of the Holy Mystery [the Badarak], and are reunited to Christ in order to become for Him Body and members, we should be eager for the great medicine.\"\u00a0 The Divine Liturgy is the great medicine that provides true meaning and direction for our lives.\u00a0 It offers the peace and solace that only God can give\u2014a free gift no less\u2014in an age when so many people are searching, and spending millions of dollars in vain to find personal stability and security.<\/p>\n

The Badarak really is a matter of life and death.\u00a0 This guide to the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church is something like a travelogue that leads you on your journey, supplying helpful information about points of interest along the way.\u00a0 It is designed to accompany the new Divine Liturgy \"Pew Book,\" The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church: With Modern Armenian and English Translations, Transliteration, Musical Notation, Introduction and Notes (New York: St. Vartan Press, 1999).\u00a0 Page numbers from the Pew Book have been placed in square brackets [ ] for easy cross-reference.\u00a0 While it will not answer all your questions, this booklet will help you to discover the larger themes that unite the words, music, and rituals of the Badarak.\u00a0 In this way, it is hoped, you will be drawn into deeper and more meaningful participation in the Divine Liturgy.<\/p>\n

(source: www.armenianchurch-ed.net<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

GUIDE TO PARTICIPATING IN THE DIVINE LITURGY<\/h3>\n

WHEN TO MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS. The sign of the cross is made when entering the Church and on these occasions during the Divine Liturgy:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. after each instance of bowing<\/li>\n
  2. when doxology (Park Hor<\/em>\u2026), that is to say, \u201cGlory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit\u201d is being said or sung<\/li>\n
  3. when the Sacred name of our Lord is being solemnly invoked (Hisoos Krisdos<\/em>)<\/li>\n
  4. at the beginning of the reading of the Gospel<\/li>\n
  5. when peace or blessing is being offered by the priest with the words \u201cPeace unto all\u201d (Khaghaghootune Amenetsoon<\/em>)<\/li>\n
  6. when the priest or deacon swing the censor in your direction<\/li>\n
  7. when the sacred and the central words of the Divine Liturgy are being spoken (\u201cTake, eat, this is My Body\u2026\u201d and \u201cDrink ye all, this is My Blood.\u201d)<\/li>\n
  8. when receiving Holy Communion<\/li>\n
  9. when kissing the Gospel and leaving the Church.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong>Response when Kissing the Cross (during the procession):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The faithful say: <\/strong><\/p>\n