The Armenian Apostolic Church: Its History, Traditions, Beliefs, and Scriptural Foundations
MIHRAN KULHANJIAN
President and Founder
May 28, 2026
The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world and stands as a central pillar of Armenian identity, spirituality, and culture. Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in A.D. 301 through the ministry of St. Gregory the Illuminator and the conversion of King Tiridates III. The Armenian Church belongs to the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches, alongside the Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Malankara Orthodox Churches. Though separated historically from both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church after the Council of Chalcedon in 451, the Armenian Apostolic Church maintains ancient apostolic traditions rooted in Scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the worship practices of the early Church.
The Armenian Apostolic Church emphasizes the holiness of worship, the sacramental life, the continuity of apostolic succession, reverence for saints, liturgical beauty, fasting, and participation in the divine mysteries. Many of its traditions are often misunderstood by Protestants or modern Christians unfamiliar with ancient Christianity. However, the ceremonial acts of worship practiced in the Armenian Church are deeply grounded in biblical principles and the worship traditions inherited from the apostles.
This essay will examine the history, theology, worship, sacraments, traditions, and ceremonial practices of the Armenian Apostolic Church while defending these practices through Scripture and early Christian understanding.
Historical Foundations of the Armenian Apostolic Church
The Armenian Church traces its origins directly to the apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew, who are believed to have preached Christianity in Armenia during the first century. Because of this apostolic foundation, the Church refers to itself as “Apostolic.”
The decisive moment in Armenian Christian history occurred in the early fourth century. Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III after enduring severe persecution and imprisonment. Following the king’s conversion, Christianity became the official religion of Armenia in A.D. 301. This event predates the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire under Constantine.
Throughout centuries of invasions, genocide, and political oppression, the Armenian Church became the guardian of Armenian language, literature, identity, and national survival. Armenian monasteries preserved biblical manuscripts, theological writings, and sacred music. Even after the Armenian Genocide of 1915, the Church remained central to Armenian unity and spiritual endurance.
The Nature of the Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church understands itself as the mystical Body of Christ on earth. The Church is not merely an organization but a divine institution established by Christ Himself.
Jesus declared:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
The Church is therefore visible, sacramental, and historical. The apostles ordained bishops and priests to continue their ministry.
St. Paul instructed Timothy:
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
This passage supports apostolic succession, the belief that spiritual authority and teaching are passed down through ordained clergy from the apostles to the present day.
The Armenian Church maintains this succession through bishops who trace their ordination lineage back to the apostles.
Sacred Tradition and Holy Scripture
One of the defining characteristics of the Armenian Apostolic Church is its belief that divine revelation is transmitted through both Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.
The Church does not view Scripture and Tradition as opposites. Rather, Scripture emerged from the life of the Church and is properly interpreted within the apostolic tradition.
St. Paul commanded Christians:
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
This verse clearly demonstrates that apostolic teaching existed both orally and in written form.
Similarly:
“I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.” (1 Corinthians 11:2)
The Armenian Church preserves these traditions through liturgy, sacramental worship, fasting practices, creeds, hymns, and patristic theology.
The Divine Liturgy
The central act of Armenian worship is the Divine Liturgy, known as the “Badarak.” The liturgy is highly ceremonial and reflects heavenly worship.
The Book of Revelation describes worship in heaven with incense, robes, candles, altars, chanting, and priestly actions:
“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints.” (Revelation 8:3)
The ceremonial worship of the Armenian Church reflects this biblical pattern.
Incense
Incense is used throughout the liturgy to symbolize prayer ascending to God.
Psalm 141:2 states:
“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you.”
The use of incense was also central to Old Testament worship:
“Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it every morning.” (Exodus 30:7)
Because Christianity fulfills rather than abolishes true worship, the Armenian Church continues this sacred symbolism.
Candles and Light
Candles are lit during worship to symbolize Christ as the Light of the World.
Jesus said:
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
Candles also represent prayer, vigilance, and holiness.
Vestments
Armenian clergy wear elaborate vestments during worship. These symbolize spiritual authority, holiness, and participation in heavenly worship.
God Himself commanded sacred vestments for worship in the Old Testament:
“And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.” (Exodus 28:2)
Since Christian worship fulfills priestly worship, sacred vestments remain appropriate in the New Covenant.
Chanting and Hymns
The Armenian liturgy is sung almost entirely through chants and hymns.
The Psalms repeatedly command sung worship:
“Sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 9:11)
St. Paul also wrote:
“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)
Armenian sacred music developed over centuries and remains one of the richest traditions in Christianity.
The Sacraments
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that God communicates grace through holy sacraments or “mysteries.” These are visible signs of invisible grace instituted by Christ.
Baptism
Baptism is understood as spiritual rebirth and entry into the Church.
Jesus declared:
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
The Armenian Church baptizes infants because salvation is a gift of grace, not merely an intellectual decision.
Entire households were baptized in the New Testament:
“She was baptized, and her household as well.” (Acts 16:15)
The baby, once conceived and born, it born into the household; therefore, he is baptized. The infant is to be reared in the Christianity, in the Apostolic Church by his parents or guardian.
Chrismation
Immediately after baptism, the newly baptized receives chrismation (anointing with holy oil), symbolizing the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This practice originates in apostolic Christianity:
“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17)
Oil symbolizes consecration and divine sealing.
Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the center of Armenian worship. The Church believes that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ in a mystical manner.
Jesus taught:
“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” (John 6:55)
At the Last Supper Christ declared:
“This is my body.” (Matthew 26:26)
The Armenian Church rejects the idea that Communion is merely symbolic. Instead, it is a real participation in Christ.
St. Paul warned:
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27)
Such language indicates the sacred reality of the Eucharist.
Confession and Repentance
The Armenian Church practices confession of sins before a priest.
Christ gave the apostles authority to forgive sins:
“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them.” (John 20:23)
Confession provides spiritual healing, accountability, and reconciliation.
Marriage
Marriage is viewed as a holy covenant blessed by God.
St. Paul describes marriage as a mystery reflecting Christ and the Church:
“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:32)
Ordination
The priesthood is considered a sacred calling established by the apostles.
St. Paul instructed Titus:
“Appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5)
The Armenian Church preserves this ordained ministry through bishops, priests, and deacons.
Anointing of the Sick
The Church anoints the sick with oil for healing and spiritual comfort.
This practice comes directly from Scripture:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil.” (James 5:14)
The Veneration of Saints
One of the most misunderstood practices of the Armenian Church is the veneration of saints.
The Church distinguishes between worship, which belongs only to God, and veneration, which is honor given to holy people who reflect God’s grace.
Scripture teaches that the saints are alive in Christ:
“He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” (Mark 12:27)
The Book of Revelation portrays saints in heaven offering prayers to God:
“The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8)
Christians therefore ask saints to pray for them just as believers on earth pray for one another.
St. Paul urged intercessory prayer:
“Pray for one another.” (James 5:16)
If Christians on earth may pray for each other, then Christians perfected in heaven may also intercede.
The Use of Icons and Sacred Art
The Armenian Apostolic Church uses icons, crosses, illuminated manuscripts, and sacred imagery in worship.
Opponents sometimes cite the commandment against graven images, but the Bible forbids idol worship, not sacred art itself.
God commanded artistic images in the Temple:
“You shall make two cherubim of gold.” (Exodus 25:18)
Similarly, Solomon’s Temple contained carved images of angels, trees, and animals.
Icons serve as visual theology, directing the believer toward heavenly realities.
Since Christ became incarnate and visible, sacred depiction became possible.
St. John wrote:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
The Incarnation sanctifies matter and allows visible representation of Christ and the saints.
Fasting and Asceticism
The Armenian Church maintains extensive fasting traditions throughout the year, especially during Lent.
Fasting is deeply biblical.
Jesus fasted for forty days:
“And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)
Christ also taught:
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.” (Matthew 6:16)
Notice Christ said “when” you fast, not “if.”
Fasting disciplines the body, strengthens prayer, and cultivates repentance.
The Armenian Church also observes Wednesdays and Fridays as regular fasting days in remembrance of Christ’s betrayal and crucifixion.
The Sign of the Cross
Armenian Christians frequently make the sign of the cross during prayer.
This gesture symbolizes belonging to Christ and remembrance of His crucifixion.
St. Paul wrote:
“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14)
The cross is not merely a historical symbol but the sign of salvation.
Early Christians used physical gestures in worship:
“Lifting holy hands in prayer.” (1 Timothy 2:8)
The sign of the cross therefore reflects embodied prayer.
The Liturgical Calendar and Feast Days
The Armenian Church follows a liturgical calendar centered on the life of Christ and the saints.
Major feasts include:
- Christmas and Theophany
- Easter
- Pentecost
- Transfiguration
- Assumption of Mary
- Feast of the Holy Cross
Holy days help believers participate spiritually in sacred history.
The Old Testament itself established sacred feasts:
“These are the appointed feasts of the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:2)
The Church continues this rhythm of sacred time in the New Covenant.
Monasticism
Monastic life has played a major role in Armenian Christianity.
Monks dedicate themselves to prayer, fasting, celibacy, scholarship, and service.
Though monasticism developed after the apostolic age, its principles are biblical.
Jesus praised voluntary celibacy for the Kingdom:
“There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:12)
St. Paul also commended celibate devotion:
“The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32)
Armenian monasteries became centers of theology, education, and manuscript preservation.
The Armenian Understanding of Salvation
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that salvation is union with God through Christ. Salvation is not merely legal forgiveness but transformation into holiness.
St. Peter wrote:
“That you may become partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4)
Faith, sacraments, repentance, and perseverance all cooperate with divine grace.
The Church rejects the idea that good works earn salvation independently from grace. However, genuine faith must produce obedience.
St. James declared:
“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
The Christian life is therefore a continual journey of sanctification.
The Role of Mary in the Armenian Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church deeply honors Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos) because she gave birth to Jesus Christ, who is fully divine and fully human.
Elizabeth greeted Mary saying:
“Why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43)
Mary herself prophesied:
“All generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)
The Church honors Mary not as a goddess but as the most exalted human disciple of Christ.
Summing Up
The Armenian Apostolic Church represents one of the oldest and most enduring expressions of Christianity in the world. Its traditions, liturgy, sacraments, and ceremonial acts of worship are not later inventions detached from biblical Christianity. Rather, they are rooted deeply in Scripture, apostolic tradition, and the worship patterns of the early Church.
The use of incense, sacred vestments, liturgical worship, fasting, icons, saints, sacraments, and apostolic succession all possess strong biblical foundations when understood within the fullness of Christian history. The Armenian Church preserves a vision of Christianity that is ancient, sacramental, communal, and deeply reverent.
In a modern world often shaped by individualism and minimalism, the Armenian Apostolic Church continues to proclaim the holiness of worship and the mystery of divine presence. Through centuries of suffering and perseverance, it has remained faithful to the gospel of Christ and the apostolic faith handed down from generation to generation.
The Armenian Church stands not merely as a cultural institution but as a living testimony to the enduring power of ancient Christianity, calling believers into communion with God through beauty, reverence, truth, and sacramental life.