On Saturday, December 28, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Apostle James and John the Evangelist. Both held prominent positions among the twelve apostles, and they were called “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus (Mark 3:17) probably because they were impetuous and quick tempered as suggested in Luke …
The Holy Apostles Paul and Peter, were perhaps the two individuals who had the greatest role in the growth and spread of Christianity. Peter was renowned for his oratory skills, and he used his talent to spread the Word. Paul was an oppressor of the early Christians until on the road to Damascus he converted when a brilliant light blinded him and he heard …
On Tuesday, December 24, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Stephen first deacon and proto-martyr. After Christ’s ascension, the apostles went about spreading the Word. It soon became apparent that more people were needed to serve the growing church community. Seven worthy individuals were called upon to …
According to Armenian tradition, St Abgar was the first Christian king of the 1st century, the son of the Parthian king Arshakunie Arsham. He was also called “senior man” as he was the wisest of all and a genius. Historian Moses of Khoronk, Assyrian historian Labubnia of Edessa, Greek historians Procopis and Yeusebius have all written of King Abgar. He built the city of Edessa on the site where the Armenian army protected the river crossing of the Euphrates from the Roman captain Casius. Later the king moved the royal palace and all idols from Nisibis to that city.
St. James (Hagop) of Nisibis (Mdzbin) participated in the first ecumenical council in Nicaea (325), where he earned great respect from the Emperor Constantine and the other attendees. He Was born and died in the city of Nisibis (Nusbyien) located in what is now southeastern Turkey, an important early Christian center in Asia Minor and a…
The Armenian Church remembers St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, a fourth century Bishop of Myra, Lycia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Nicholos was a defender of orthodoxy and because of many miracles attributed to his intercession he is called “the Wonderworker.” He was a secret and generous giver of gifts, and some believe …
This Saturday, November 30th, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, two of the twelve apostles who were the first evangelizers of Armenia, and were martyred there, giving the Armenian Church its apostolic identity and earning them the title, “First Enlighteners of Armenia.” …
St. Andrew the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, is traditionally known as the first-called (“Protokletos”) among the apostles. Born in Bethsaida, a town by the Sea of Galilee, Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist before he encountered Jesus and chose to follow Him. Andrew also introduced his brother,
The word apostle refers to the special inner circle of Jesus’ disciples, chosen by Jesus to accompany Him during His ministry, to learn from Him, follow His instructions and continue his work….
Archangel is a title given to an angel of high rank in the celestial hierarchy. Michael, which means “who is like God,” is one of the principal angels. Gabriel, which means “strength of God,” is one of God’s chief messengers…
