Page 10 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

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PREFACE

Why this book? Monographs and essays
dealing with specific aspects, particular
events, or important figures of the Armenian
Church are generally available, but studies
displaying a comprehensive picture of the
Armenian Church are rare.
The Armenian Church has placed itself
on the international stage during the past
50 years through its involvement in the
global ecumenical movement, its interaction
with new cultural and social environments
through the worldwide Armenian diaspora,
its celebration in 2001 of the 1700th anniver-
sary of the formal conversion of Armenia to
Christianity, and the commemoration in 2015
of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide.
Yet, it is still not very well known in the
West, even among Armenian youth. For that
reason I felt challenged to write this book.

My purpose is not to present an all-
encompassing history, theology, liturgy, or
mission of the Armenian Church; nor do
I intend to make a scrutinizing inquiry of
the major events and significant aspects of
its life, thought, and witness. Rather, I will