Page 131 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

132 The Armenian Church

must be blessed by the celebrant prior to each
eucharistic celebration. Embroidered textiles
are generally used as altar curtains, and as a
covering for the chalice, cross, and table.
The veghar (vełar), the cowl used by
celibate clergy of all ranks, is a uniquely Ar-
menian vestment. The veghar was employed
in ancient times during the Holy Mass. Pres-
ently it is confined to church services and
special events. During church services, the
clergy wears a black gown (verarku) and a
phelonion (p‘ilon) over it; bishops wear a
violet phelonion. In public, all the clergy wear
cassocks (paregot) and headgear (p‘akeł).

Liturgical Vessels
Liturgical vessels (cisakan or ekełec‘agan
spasner) are widely used in the liturgical and
sacramental life of the Armenian Church.
Liturgical vessels are made by iron, bronze,
copper, silver, and gold, and include precious
stones. Most of the vessels are related to
biblical events.
The Cross (xač‘), which comes in a variety
of forms, styles, and sizes, is the central
element in the spiritual culture of the Ar-
menian Church. The following vessels are
common in the Church: the basin (konk‘)
and the ewer (p‘arč‘) are used for washing
the celebrant's hands during the liturgy; the
chalice (skih) is a cup in which the bread and
wine are consecrated for the Holy Commun-