ARMENIAN  ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

We had the opportunity to visit the Armenian Orthodox Cathedral of St. James for Vespers. One might be wondering two things about our experience: Who are the Armenian Orthodox, and what are Vespers? Christianity has a tradition of marking certain times of the day with prayer. In Catholicism, there exists seven hours at which the church recites prayers: Matins (Office of Readings), Lauds (Morning Prayer), Terce (Mid-Moring Payer), Sext (Mid-Day Prayer), None (Mid-Afternoon Prayer), Vespers (Evening Prayer), and Compline (Night Prayer). All religious, priests, and deacons are required to pray these daily for the good of the Church according to their particular calling. These periods of prayer center on the psalms and include readings from either the Scriptures or Saints.

The Armenian Orthodox Church participates in this liturgical action. The Church in Armenia rightfully prides itself in being the first nation to convert to Christianity (roughly 20-years before the Roman Empire) in 301 AD. How did this conversion transpire?  According to tradition, Tiridates III was appointed governor of Armenia by the anti-Christian Emperor Diocletian. Tiridates imprisoned all Christians, including a priest named Gregory the Illuminator. After being struck with a paralyzing illness, Tiridates III was counseled by his sister to stop persecuting Christians after a dream she had. Tiridates III released Gregory who later healed him of his horrible illness. Tiridates was convinced of the Gospel and required his nation to convert to Christianity. Visible communion with the Armenian and Latin Churches ended with the Schism of 1054, but we continue to pray for visible communion, and we are proud to admit that much has been done in the area of Ecumenism.

Tomb of St. James the Apostle

The Armenian Cathedral of St. James is unique in that they have the relics of two apostles: St. James the Greater and St. James the Lesser. If you remember, Herod martyred St. James the Greater after Christ ascended into heaven (Acts 12:2). St. James the Less, also called the “brother of the Lord” (Acts 9:27), was the first bishop of Jerusalem. After the vespers service, we had the opportunity to venerate their relics contained in the sanctuary and a side chapel. Situating ourselves as participating with the faith of the apostles has been helpful for our future ministry. May God bring the good work begun in us to fulfillment.