Entrance Please enter St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church reverently and solemnly.  Always make the sign of the cross as you enter, and whenever "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" (“Hor yev Vortvo yev Hokvooyn Surpo”) is referenced during liturgy.

To Make The Sign of The Cross Join your thumb, index and middle fingers at the tips, fold back the ring and pinky fingers at the palm. Touch your forehead, the middle of your chest and then to the left and right sides of your shoulders saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  And then open your hand and place it onto your heart saying, “Amen.”

When You Take Your Seat Bow your head slightly, make the sign of the cross and silently say the Lord’s Prayer.  You are now ready to participate in the service. 

Standing and Sitting It is always proper to stand during Liturgy (Badarak), unless you are ill and are required to sit down.  Standing in Church is the proper expression of showing your respect to God.  When the curtains at the altar are closed, you may sit down.  You must stand however, at the time the Gospel is being sung. 

We warmly encourage all attendees to participate in singing during the Divine Liturgy, as many parts of the service are intended to be sung by the congregation. If you have a strong voice and musical ability, we invite you to join our Choir, which is always seeking talented and dedicated members.

For those attending with small children We kindly recommend using the "Cry Room," located just off the Narthex to the right. This space provides a comfortable environment where you can care for your little ones while listening to the service through speakers and watching through the windows. Please bring your children into the sanctuary for Soorp Haghortootioun (Holy Communion)—their presence is a joy to our community.

Confession Penance is a vital sacrament in the Armenian Church, offering the faithful a moment of reflection and reconciliation with God, preparing their hearts to approach the altar. Holy Communion (Soorp Haghortootioun), a cornerstone of Armenian liturgical worship, unites believers with Christ and one another through the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Kiss of Peace Put your right hand on your heart, then reach your head, first over your right and then over your left shoulder of the person you wish to greet. The greeting is “Kreesdosee mech mer haydnetsav,” and the response is “Orhnial eh haydnoutiounuh Kreesdosee.” (Note: This greeting may vary during certain liturgical seasons.)

Lace Head Coverings It is a longstanding tradition in the Armenian Apostolic Church for women and girls to cover their heads during confession and Holy Communion as a sign of reverence and humility. To help preserve this sacred practice, lace head coverings are provided every Sunday for those who may need them.

Receiving Holy Communion In order to receive Holy Communion (Soorp Haghortootioun), the faithful must be baptized.  Traditionally, it is required for the believer to fast upon receiving the body and blood of Christ.  Again, the exception to this rule is that you have a medical reason and are then unable to fast. Prior to accepting Holy Communion, make the sign of the cross and say, “I have sinned before God.”

As Service Ends Worshippers proceed to the altar to kiss the Gospel and receive a blessing.  During this time, you should be as reverent as possible.  You may visit with your friends only after you exit the Sanctuary.

Mas At the end of Divine Liturgy, the “Mas” or Holy Bread is distributed to the members of the congregation who have not taken communion.  When you take your Mas, you kiss it and eat it.  It is customary to take some home to those family members who were unable to attend service. 

Please enter the sanctuary only at appropriate times during the service. Ensure all electronic devices are completely turned off, as they may disrupt the microphone system. Please Remember that the Church is the house of God and place of worship.  It is improper to chew gum, cross your legs and stretch or lean against the walls.  Also, we ask that everyone dress appropriately.  Yes, we realize the summer months can get toasty, yet keep in mind you are in the Holy Sanctuary and not at a house party or dance club.  Baseball caps, shorts, short skirts and slippers are considered inappropriate items. Thank you for maintaining the sanctity of our worship.