Comments on: What is an Armenian parish?

By: Matthew Namee

Matthew Namee — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:51:58 +0000

Another good topic would be Armenian Orthodox relations with the Eastern Orthodox jurisdictions in America. I know there are dialogues today, but how have we interacted historically in America?

By: orrologion

orrologion — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:33:27 +0000

I would very like to learn more about the Armenian Church, in general. I know it has its own liturgical rites, distinct from other Christian churches, including other Non-Chalcedonians. Perhaps making note of any differences or changes in American Armenian churches from Armenia would be a good jumping off point to introduce others to some of the distinct features of Armenian Christianity in contrast to Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, etc. In general, the compare and contrast technique would work very well as a vehicle to share more about the Armenian church while also discussing the history and development of Armenian Christianity in North America. Suggestions for good materials that then introduce Armenian Christianity on its own terms without reference to Orthodoxy or Rome would also be helpful.

By: orrologion

orrologion — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:28:09 +0000

Since an official ‘parish’ of either an Orthodox or Armenian (or RC or Coptic, etc.) church has certain canonical requirements, I think the idea of a ‘proto-parish’ meeting some minimal requirements would be enough to count when determining the date or identity of a ‘first’ – especially if that proto-parish went on to become a parish. If a proto-parish or religious society, religious association, etc. never got past a couple meetings, never held a prayer service of some kind, never attempted contact with a priest or bishop, never bought a space, etc. and then folded, then this should not be counted as a ‘first parish’ – though it’s worthy of an asterisk describing earlier attempts at organizing and parish.