“Orhnyal der” or “orhnya der”
Pastor's Update #24
“Orhnyal der” or “Orhnya der”
This question might seem trivial or be misunderstood as a nuance of clericalism, but my sincere intention is to provide insight into the meaning of a greeting that is often mispronounced.
In the Armenian Church tradition, special greetings are reserved for our clergy. We say "Asdvadz oknagan" to celibate clergy, which means "May God strengthen you," and "Orhnya der" to married priests, which means "Bless me, father." In response, celibate clergy say "Asdvadz bahaban," meaning "May God preserve you," and married priests say "Asdvadz orhne," meaning "May God bless you."
In oral communication, we might not notice whether we say "orhnya" or "orhnyal." However, when we send a text message or an email to a Der Hayr (a married priest), we sometimes type "orhnyal der," which means "You are blessed, Father!" Thank you for the reminder, but as a priest, I don't always feel blessed; sometimes, I feel exhausted, and most of the time, I feel hungry😉!
All jokes aside, It's important to note that "orhnyal" is a word frequently heard in our Badarak hymns. It is an attribute to God, the ultimate source of blessing. Only God can bless us; therefore, saying "orhnyal der" to address clergy is incorrect. Instead, we should say "orhnya der" or "bless me, father," and the priest (der hayr) responds with "May God bless you" (Asdvadz orhne)."
While I may not be too concerned about the specific greeting used, whether it's 'orhnya der,' 'orhnetsek der hayr,' or a casual 'hey, how is it going? ', What truly matters is that we communicate. However, I do not overlook the significance of these special greetings in our culture. They are simple words that serve as a subtle reminder of the presence of God in our lives. Suppose we use mindfulness while saying these greetings. In that case, the layperson may realize that they are speaking to someone who represents their church, a sacred realm, and the clergy realizes that his most important attribute is a spiritual leader, which invokes self-examination of how truly he is living his vocation.
This changed perspective then helps us realize that a simple greeting, Orhnya Der, is not just about showing respect to clergy but also about strengthening one another through God’s blessings, which empower us to live out our calling with renewed strength and purpose. It is God’s blessing that equips us to serve others, to love more deeply, and to live as faithful witnesses to His love.
Prayerfully
This question might seem trivial or be misunderstood as a nuance of clericalism, but my sincere intention is to provide insight into the meaning of a greeting that is often mispronounced.
In the Armenian Church tradition, special greetings are reserved for our clergy. We say "Asdvadz oknagan" to celibate clergy, which means "May God strengthen you," and "Orhnya der" to married priests, which means "Bless me, father." In response, celibate clergy say "Asdvadz bahaban," meaning "May God preserve you," and married priests say "Asdvadz orhne," meaning "May God bless you."
In oral communication, we might not notice whether we say "orhnya" or "orhnyal." However, when we send a text message or an email to a Der Hayr (a married priest), we sometimes type "orhnyal der," which means "You are blessed, Father!" Thank you for the reminder, but as a priest, I don't always feel blessed; sometimes, I feel exhausted, and most of the time, I feel hungry😉!
All jokes aside, It's important to note that "orhnyal" is a word frequently heard in our Badarak hymns. It is an attribute to God, the ultimate source of blessing. Only God can bless us; therefore, saying "orhnyal der" to address clergy is incorrect. Instead, we should say "orhnya der" or "bless me, father," and the priest (der hayr) responds with "May God bless you" (Asdvadz orhne)."
While I may not be too concerned about the specific greeting used, whether it's 'orhnya der,' 'orhnetsek der hayr,' or a casual 'hey, how is it going? ', What truly matters is that we communicate. However, I do not overlook the significance of these special greetings in our culture. They are simple words that serve as a subtle reminder of the presence of God in our lives. Suppose we use mindfulness while saying these greetings. In that case, the layperson may realize that they are speaking to someone who represents their church, a sacred realm, and the clergy realizes that his most important attribute is a spiritual leader, which invokes self-examination of how truly he is living his vocation.
This changed perspective then helps us realize that a simple greeting, Orhnya Der, is not just about showing respect to clergy but also about strengthening one another through God’s blessings, which empower us to live out our calling with renewed strength and purpose. It is God’s blessing that equips us to serve others, to love more deeply, and to live as faithful witnesses to His love.
Prayerfully
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