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This section contains information on Sacraments & Services, Church Etiquette, and Guidelines for Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals:

Sacraments & Services

Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please participate in the Divine Liturgy by using the Divine Liturgy books that are found in the pews. These books contain the Armenian text as well as the English transliteration and translation. Parishioners are encouraged to participate by singing the hymns of the Badarak.

Liturgical Hymns: Members of the congregation are encouraged to actively participate in the worship service by joining in the singing of the liturgical hymns and responses by the choir during the Badarak. Books containing both a transliteration and a translation into English of the Armenian text of the Divine Liturgy are available in the pews for your use. Please be sure to replace the books in the pew racks when you have finished using them.

Holy Communion: Attention Ladies! Before receiving Holy Communion, please remove your lipstick. Also, veils are available for those who wish to wear one during Communion. Please see a Parish Council member to receive a veil. After services, please return it to the Parish Council table.

The Kiss of Peace ~ Voghchooyn: After the transfer of the Gifts (Eucharist) on pages 23-27 in the Divine Liturgy book, when the Parish Council members pass the Kiss of Peace saying Krisdos ee mech mer Haydnetsav (Christ is revealed among us), the response from the recipient should be Orhnial eh Haidnootyunn Krisdose (Blessed is the revelation of Christ).

Requiem services (Hokehankist) are scheduled on the first Sunday of the month, unless a 40-Day Memorial (Karasoonk) is needed. Please keep this in mind when planning requiem services for your loved ones. Contact the Church office to make the necessary arrangements.

Altar Flowers & Altar Candles: One way to celebrate the life of a loved family member or a friend is to donate either altar flowers or candles for the Divine Liturgy. This can be for a name day, birthday, anniversary or on the occasion of a requiem (Hokehankist). Please call the Church office to make the necessary arrangements.

Der Voghormia: Individuals may request and are encouraged to request Der Voghormia prayers for any occasion at any time; for example, in thanksgiving for recovery from illness, for a safe journey, for someone sick or undergoing surgery. By doing so, the entire Church family becomes one with you to share in your joy or your sorrows. It is through our collective prayers that we may manifest our beliefs and faith. Please contact the Church office to have your particular request placed in the Sunday Bulletin or see a member of the Parish Council on Sunday mornings.

Fellowship Hour: On most Sundays following Church services, there is a fellowship hour in the Gdanian Auditorium (church hall). If you, or a member of your family, are celebrating a special event (birthday, anniversary, promotion, retirement, etc.), why not share the joy with your Church family by donating refreshments for the fellowship hour. You might also wish to do this in memory of a loved one, as a thanksgiving, or just in "fellowship." Please contact the Church office to make the necessary arrangements.

Church Etiquette

Reverence Required - Please be advised that according to the tradition of the Armenian Church, members of the congregation are strongly reminded to refrain from walking in and out of the Sanctuary while services are in progress. You are especially reminded not to do so during:

1) The Chanting of the Gospel

2) Recitation of the Creed (Havadank) Lord’s Prayer

3) The Chalice Procession

4) The Hymn, “Der Voghormia”

5) Distribution of Holy Communion

6) Singing of Hayr Mer

7) The Sermon

8) Processionals

Guidelines for Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals

Please keep in mind! When planning that special event -- wedding or baptism, please check with the Church office and/or the Parish Priest FIRST. Before you book a hall or make reservations at a restaurant, it is imperative that you make sure the Priest and the Church are available for performing the sacrament.

GUIDELINES FOR BAPTISMS

1. A date shall be set for the baptism in joint consultation with the Pastor.

2. All baptisms will be according to the canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

3. All donations are the responsibility of the persons involved. The customary donation to the Church is $100-$200. Of course, if one is financially unable, all suggested donations may be waived.

4. Before any Priest other than the Pastor is engaged, the Pastor must be consulted. All expenses of the visiting Priest(s), travel, lodging, food and whatever gift of money one would like to give, is borne by the family involved.

5. The Deacon is essential to assist at the Sacrament. His donation is generally $50 - $75. Again, if one is financially unable, all donations may be waived.

6. The Godfather or Godmother of the child should be a baptized and chrismated Christian, in the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

7. Items needed:

Infants:

A. One or two large white towels

B. A WHITE outfit to be worn AFTER Chrismation

C. A chain and cross for the Neophyte (newly baptized)

Adults:

A. Instruction in the meaning of baptism and chrismation

B. One or two white towels

C. A chain and cross for the Neophyte (newly baptized)

8. 'Infant' and 'Adult' will be determined by each specific case.

9. Photographs may be taken at any time during the ceremony. Caution should be used by the photographer not to blind the eyes of the Priest, Deacon, or any other member of the baptismal party. At NO time or for any reason will the photographer ascend the steps to the Altar or be on the platform surrounding the Altar.

10. Baptism is a public service and no person may be excluded from the Church, except where the invited list approximates the seating capacity.

GUILDLINES FOR WEDDINGS

1. A date shall be set for the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony with joint consultation with the Parish Priest. By canon law, no marriage may take place Sunday morning nor any time during Lent or Holy Week.

2. All marriages are to follow the Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church and the laws of the State of New York. It is the responsibility of the parties to carry out the requirements of the State and to present a VALID LICENSE prior to the service. Canon law will be explained by the Parish Priest.

3. Canon law requires instruction in Christian marriage as a preparation for solemnization and the answering of questions relative to the INTENTION of the parties. It is therefore necessary for the bride and groom to meet together with the Parish Priest by appointment for this purpose.

4. No marriage can be solemnized in the Church: A. unless both parties have received baptism and chrismation. B. where either party has been divorced from a former spouse still living, unless a dispensation has been received from the ecclesiastical authority. C. where it is the intention that a second religious ceremony shall be in another Church or any other place. D. any time during Lent or Holy Week.

5. Before any Priest other than the Parish Priest is engaged, the Parish Priest must be consulted.

6. Rehearsals shall be arranged by appointment with the Parish Priest. Since the solemnization is a religious service, the Parish Priest shall have charge of the rehearsal.

7. Any music played in connection with the wedding except that which is called for within the service, must be approved by the Parish Priest.

8. Decorations: Liberty to decorate the Church in any part shall be subject to the following conditions:

A. Arrangements must be made with the florist to carry out the work with the cooperation of the Parish Priest or with someone the Priest delegates at an appointed time.

B. No furniture of the Church may be moved from its place.

C. Flowers, plants and candles may be placed on the floor of the Sanctuary and Chancel (with the exception of the Altar steps) in stands or other fit receptacles and in such a manner as not to obscure the Altar.

D. Flowers may be provided for the Altar, care should be taken as to the size of the flower arrangement.

E. Decorations MAY NOT BE NAILED, SCREWED OR TAPED to the furnishings or attached in any manner likely to damage or to be a fire hazard.

F. Decorations which do not meet these requirements will be removed in advance of the service under the direction of the Parish Priest or another person delegated by the Parish Priest.

9. Photographs or video may be taken at any time during the ceremony. Caution should be used by the photographer not to blind the eyes of the Priest, Deacon or any other member of the wedding party. At NO time nor for any reason will the photographer ascend the steps to the Altar or be at the Altar itself.

10. A wedding is a public service and no person may be excluded from the Church, except where the invited list approximates the seating capacity and cards of admission have been issued.

11. Ushering and any necessary control of traffic shall be arranged by the families involved.

12. The customary donation to the Church is $100 - $200.

13. Fees:

Deacon..............$ 50 - 75

Organist............$ 50 - 75

Note: One may give more than the suggested fee if he wishes. However, if it is financially prohibitive, please contact the pastor.

GUIDELINES FOR FUNERALS

1. All funerals will be according to the Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

2. A date shall be set for the funeral in consultation with the Pastor.

3. Before any Priest other than the resident Pastor is engaged, the resident Pastor must be consulted. All expenses of the visiting Priest(s), travel, lodging, food and whatever gift of money one would like to give, is borne by the family having the funeral.

4. The customary donation to the Church is $100 - $200.

5. Fees:

Deacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 - 75

Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 - 75

Note: One may give more than the suggested fee if he wishes. However, if it is financially prohibitive, please contact the Pastor.