THE SUNRISE SERVICE

Although there are references to a Sunrise Service in the Armenian Church as early as the 7th century, the service as we know it today is the work of the 12th century Catholicos, St. Nerses Shnorhali (The Graceful) whose music and prayers have greatly enriched the Armenian Church.

During Lent the Sunrise Service, which traditionally took place on Wednesday and Friday mornings during Lent, takes place on Sundays immediately following the closed-altar Divine Liturgy.

Although the Church takes on a mournful demeanor during Lent, the Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being “light,” representing our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any other word throughout the service, whereas the word “darkness” (khavar) is used just once.

The service consists of four parts, or sets. Each one follows the same pattern starting with a hymn, followed by a litany by the deacon, and a prayer by the priest. Each set has a different theme. Readings are from the book of Psalms.

The joyful music of the hymns and the stirring words make this one of the most pleasant and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian Church.