PLACES IN THE CHURCH |
English |
Armenian |
Description |
Sanctuary |
Khoran |
The main altar of the church is made up of the Holy Altar, Apse. Bema, Veil and Aumbries. |
Holy Altar |
Soorp Seghan |
This is the table of sacrifice on which Holy Communion is prepared. |
Apse |
Kozak |
The semi-circular space forming the Sanctuary. |
Bema |
Pem (Ambion) |
The floor of the Apse. |
Aumbry |
Khorsh |
Two Aumbries are situated in the right and left walls of the Apse respectively and house the chalice and other sacred objects. |
Chancel |
Tas |
This is the space between the Sanctuary and Nave where the Bishop’s Chair is placed. This area is restricted to clergy and church clerks. |
Baptismal Font |
Avazan |
The font is a large wash basin where infant baptisms are performed and located in the Chancel. |
Nave (Court) |
Nav (Adyan) |
This is the congregational area and is separated from the Chancel by a low rail on two sides leaving an unobstructed centre. |
Vestry |
Baharan |
A room or chapel where the vestments of the celebrant and altar servers are prepared. |
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CLERGY & CHURCH SERVANTS |
Catholicos |
Gatoghigos |
The highest rank in the hierarchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Catholicos of All Armenians is the world-wide spiritual leader who represents the centralised authority of the Armenian Church. |
Patriarch |
Badryark |
The head of the Patriarchate which is a hierarchical See subject to the Catholicosate of All Armenians but with local autonomy. The Armenian Church has two Patriarchates in Jerusalem and Constantinople. |
Primate |
Arachnort |
The head of a Diocese which represents a region in the world where Armenian churches and faithful are located. |
Archbishop |
Arkyebisgobos |
An elevated rank of Bishop with a higher degree of precedence. |
Bishop |
Yebisgobos |
A consecrated position bestowed upon an Archimandrite who is entrusted with a position of authority. |
Archimandrite |
Vartabed |
A title bestowed upon priests (who have taken a vow of celibacy) that recognises scholarly achievement and church service. |
Archpriest |
Avak Kahana |
A title bestowed on a married priest as a sign of distinguished service to the church. |
Monk or Priest |
Apegha |
An ordained priest who has taken a vow of celibacy. |
Priest |
Kahana |
An ordained priest who is married. |
Celebrant |
Badarakich |
The priest/bishop who presides over the Divine Liturgy . |
Deacon |
Sargavak |
The last of the minor orders with the role of serving in church services and assisting clergy. Deacons are ordained by bishops. |
Sub Deacon |
Gisasargavak |
A minor order of rank before a Deacon. |
Stole Bearer |
Ooraragir |
A minor order of rank before a Sub Deacon. |
Acolyte |
Tbir |
The first of the minor orders granted to young men who participate in the morning service and Divine Liturgy. Acolytes are ordained by bishops. |
Church Choir |
Tbrats Tas |
Servants of the church who partake in singing of hymns and chants during the Divine Liturgy. |
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