BELIEFS & COMMUNITY
Armenian Apostolic Church: history, faith and Badarak
Religious Values guide · Updated
The Armenian Apostolic Church is an ancient Christian church in the Oriental Orthodox family. Its own historical tradition connects its origins with the apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew and Armenia's adoption of Christianity in 301. Worship, scripture, sacramental life and Armenian language and heritage are deeply connected in its communities.
Armenian Apostolic is distinct from Armenian Catholic and Armenian Protestant churches. Armenian nationality alone does not identify a person's church affiliation.
Apostolic inheritance and church identity
The church understands itself as preserving the faith transmitted through the apostles, councils and church fathers. It belongs to the Oriental Orthodox family, alongside churches such as the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox. Its history holds a major place in Armenian culture and collective memory. That cultural importance does not make it only a heritage organization; its central claims concern Christ and the life of the church.[1]
What the Badarak means
Badarak is the Armenian name for the Divine Liturgy, the church's principal Eucharistic service. The Eastern Diocese explains its structure through the proclamation of God's Word and reception of Holy Communion. Music, symbols and ritual actions serve that encounter. A newcomer may find the service unfamiliar, but a translation and explanation of the order can reveal how its parts fit together.[2]
Learning in a parish community
Parishes connect liturgical worship with religious education, family life and transmission of Armenian heritage. The balance of Armenian and local-language teaching can differ in diaspora settings. Ask which diocese or jurisdiction oversees the parish, how inquirers learn the faith and what preparation is expected for the sacraments. These specifics are more useful than assuming every Armenian church offers the same experience.[1][2]
Common questions
Is Armenian Apostolic the same as Greek Orthodox?
Both are ancient sacramental Christian traditions, but Armenian Apostolic belongs to Oriental Orthodoxy, while Greek Orthodoxy belongs to Eastern Orthodoxy. They have different historical communion relationships and distinct liturgical traditions.[1]
Can someone who does not speak Armenian understand the liturgy?
A bilingual service guide or introductory explanation can help. Ask the parish what resources it provides and which language is used for teaching and preaching. The service's meaning can be learned even when its traditional language is initially unfamiliar.[2]
Sources & further reading
The sources below explain the beliefs and practices discussed here. Where a guide describes a broad movement, a named organization illustrates its own approach.
- 1.Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: Armenian Apostolic Church
The church's account of its apostolic identity and historical tradition.
- 2.Armenian Church Eastern Diocese: Divine Liturgy
Explains the Badarak's structure, scripture and Eucharist.