Church Etiquette

In the Sanctuary, you are in the presence of God Almighty. Please take into consideration the following points for appropriate church manners:

Sunday Mass starts at 10:45 AM. Please arrive on time.

• Before entering the church, turn off your cellular phone and discard your chewing gum.
  
  
• While you enter the church, make the sign of the Cross by uniting your thumb, index finger, and middle finger (symbolizing the Holy Trinity). Making the sign of the Cross means that we are shielding ourselves with the power of the Holy Cross, on which the Redemptive Love of God was revealed through the sacrifice of His only-begotten Son.
  
  
• One of the devotional practices of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the beautiful custom of lighting candles in front of the holy pictures. You may make the sign of the cross, say a short prayer, and take your place. These candles may be obtained from the table as you enter the church. It is customary to donate when you receive them.
  
  
• Sitting and standing at the proper time seems to be one of the most perplexing issues during the service. Instructions about the proper time to stand or sit are given in the Holy Divine Liturgy Book. Moreover, the light boxes (on the front left and right corner of the church), which show the page number in the Holy Divine Liturgy Book, also instruct us about when to stand or sit. 
  
  
• If you come in during the Gospel reading, the Veraperum (presentation of the chalice/hosts on the Altar), or the sermon, be sure to either stand at the entrance or sit in the back.
  
  
• Do not greet each other in the church in an unsuitable manner (moving hands, embracing each other, etc.). 
  
  
• Avoid hugging or putting your hand on your spouse’s or friend’s shoulder during service.
  
  
• Avoid crossing your legs and or refreshing your make-up in the sanctuary.
  
  
• Help us keep the church clean. Don’t throw napkins, candy wrappers, Sunday Bulletins, or discarded gum under the pews.
  
  
• Use the Liturgy book to Participate in the Badarak (Divine Liturgy). Be aware that the numbers shown on the monitors—located on the exit Doors—correspond to the page numbers. The upward arrow indicates standing up, and the downward arrow indicates sitting down.   
  
  
• During the exchange of  Voghchooyn (the Kiss of Peace), the one who gives the Greeting says, “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav” (Christ is revealed among us). The recipient replies, “Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonen Krisdosi” (blessed is Christ’s revelation). After receiving the Voghcooyn, great the person standing next to you. The proper way of greeting is simple: Both putting their hands on their hearts, the greeter moves toward the left of the receiver and says “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav”, then moves to the right so that the receiver replies as above “Orhnyal eh Haydnootyoonen Krisdosi”. 
  
  
• During the General Confession, you can join those who come forward and kneel or stay where you are. When you receive the Holy Communion, cross yourself and say Megha Asdoodzoh (I sinned against God). As St. Paul says, it is recommended that ladies cover their heads as a sign of modesty (1 Cor. 11:5). 
  
  
• When you kiss the Gospel, which represents the word of God, say: “Hishestzeh Der zbadarakes ko yev zmaenayn ukhdes ko na gadarestzeh (May God be mindful of your sacrifice and accept your offering).” The celebrant replies, “Datzeh kez Der usd srdi kum yev zamenayn ukhdes ko na gadarestzeh (May the Lord grant to you according to your heart, may He fulfill all your good intentions).”
  
  
• After Badarak, please remain quiet in the sanctuary. Greet your friends outside the Church.
  
  
• When you leave the sanctuary, face the Altar and cross yourself.
  
  
• While leaving the church, don’t forget to take Maas (blessed unleavened bread) and share with those who could not attend the Badarak. The one who distributes the Maas says:  Մասն եւ բաժին եղիցի քեզ ի Սուրբ Պատարագիս։ Masun yev pazheen yegheetsee kez ee Soorp Badarakees. May this be your portion and share in this Holy Sacrifice. The receiver says: Բաժին իմ Աստուած յաւիտեան։ Pazheen eem Asdvadz haveedyan. God is my portion forever. (My portion is the eternal God. Ps. 73:26)
  
  
• Cooperate with the Board members for instruction. For any comment, please contact the Pastor.

OTHER NOTES. CHURCH IS THE HOUSE OF GOD, NOT A SOCIAL CLUB 
The church is not a place of social meetings. Therefore, heads turned to look for friends, conversations with one another, and similar distractive behavior (cell phones) is poor manners in church and is strongly discouraged.

IT IS NOT PROPER AT ANY TIME 

• To dress too casually in church.
• To wear shorts.
• To chew gum.
• To cross your legs while sitting.
• To stretch or place arms on or across the back of the pews.
• To laugh.
• To applaud (Church is not a stadium).
• Stand or walk in the church by putting your hands into your pockets.