Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today is the feast of Saint Gregory the Illuminator (c. 257 - c. 331), the patron saint and first primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenia being the first nation to accept Christianity in 301 AD, the faith having been brought to Armenia even earlier by Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew. The Armenian Church is one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches — a group including Coptic, Ethiopian, and Syriac Churches, among several others.

In order to honor the memory of Saint Gregory, and to promote better understanding of the Armenian Apostolic Church, I would like to share some materials from the Eastern Diocese of the American branch of the church.

When I was a graduate student at Notre Dame, I audited a course in Eastern Liturgy by Fr. Daniel Findikyan, and Armenian priest. In addition to his expertise in liturgy, Fr. Daniel would became Bishop Daniel, the next primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.

It’s quite moving to see Bishop Daniel leading his flock in this new authority, and instructing them in a universal and beautiful 40-day Lenten Prayer Rule. As you will see, these prayers follow familiar materials, like the Trisagion and Psalm 50/51, while incorporating other Armenian prayers. Can you imagine praying prayers like these for 40 days? What would be the effect in our lives if we could manage it?

‘And never forget that spiritual growth is not a private affair. The one Holy Spirit of God has been given to every child of God. We grow in the Spirit when we are united in love, service, and worship in the embrace of the Church.’ Bishop Daniel Findykian

Bishop Daniel Findykian’s Lenten Message

Armenian 40-Day Lenten Prayer Rule (Video and Printed Prayers)

Bonus: Armenian Chant (to get the sound of the liturgy into your ears)

Yours in Christ,
Justin