Introducing the Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia)

     The Armenian Apostolic Church (Cilicia) dates all the way back to the apostles. St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew were the first preachers to enter Armenia in the 50s-100s AD. These two preachers were apostles of Jesus Christ and were the first to bring the Christ's teachings to Armenia. However, Christianity in Armenia was heavily persecuted just as it was throughout the Roman Empire. However, in 301 AD, Christianity became the state religion due to the leadership of Gregory the Illuminator and King Tiridates III. It is known historically as being the first nation to claim Christianity as its state religion. The church was originally based in Holy Etchmiadzin but had to move to various cities throughout Armenia over the course of history due to war and political upheaval (WCC). 

    Throughout the course of World War I, 1.5 million Armenians were murdered in mass genocide by the Turkish government. In 1921, a second wave of massacres took place which claimed an additional three hundred Armenians. Most Armenians fled to Syria and Lebanon. Catholicos Sahak II also joined the exile and established the Catholicosate in Atnelias, Lebanon- where it resides today. Today, the Catholicosate of Cilicia promotes human rights and tries to gain awareness for the Armenian genocide. The church also plays a vital role in the Armenian Diaspora where it published books to promote religious and cultural values to the Armenian Diaspora. Ecumenism is seen as being vital to the church (The Armenian Prelacy). 

    The Armenian Church in Cilicia believes in the usage of both Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. Holy Tradition is claimed to have been passed down from the time of Jesus Christ to the present ecclesiastical authorities. This tradition includes Biblical interpretation, the way liturgy is conducted, as well as Patristic writings (writings of the Church Fathers). Worship is seen as the most important expression because whatever the church believes, the church prays according to the church. The church has passed down throughout history what is known as the articles of faith. The articles of faith are the foundations of Christian belief according to the Armenian Church in Cilicia. These articles of faith are based on the Creed of the Armenian Church. (St. John) The church has historically taught that there are seven sacraments, just like the other Oriental Orthodox Churches. It is also fairly similar to Eastern Orthodox theology. I would recommend diving deeper into this church as there is plenty of complex history for one to digest. Peace!

    

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