Page 106 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

Rich Spirituality 107

– Book of Divine Liturgy (xorherdatetr) is
the text of the Holy Mass; it also contains the
prayers that the celebrant reads in silence.
– Psalter (sałmosaran) is divided into
eight parts followed by canticle, ascription,
supplication, and prayer.
– Book of Midday or Lectionary (čašoc‘)
is a collection of biblical readings for each
day as well as sermons and meditations of
church divines on major feasts.
– Book of Rituals (maštoc‘). There are
three types of rituals: Daily Book of Rituals
(p‘ok‘er maštoc‘), which contains seven sacra-
ments and the blessing of liturgical vest-
ments, sacred vessels, and service books;
Mother Book of Rituals (mayr maštoc‘),
which contains the consecration of deacon,
priest, and church, and the funeral service for
clergy; and Father Book of Rituals (hayr
maštoc‘), which contains the texts of the con-
secration of king, catholicos, bishop, and the
holy muron.
– Directorium (tōnac‘oyc‘) gives detailed
information on the feasts and on the frame-
work and sequence of services, including
biblical readings.
These liturgical books have been, in the
course of time, prepared, edited, and en-
riched with new additions by catholicoi and
church divines.