Page 133 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

134 The Armenian Church

chief-shepherd's staffs (hayrapetakan gawazan
and asa) are used by the catholicos; the shep-
herd's staff (episkoposakan gawazan) is used
by a bishop; and the doctoral staff (vardape-
takan gawazan) is used by vartabeds; the bell
(zangak) has been generally restored at the
main entrance of the church, and its primary
function is to call the faithful to church; the
lectern (grakal) holds the Gospel or service
book; the canopy (amphovani) is reserved for
the catholicos during processions on festive
occasions; the banner (xač‘var˙) is used to lead
processions; the crown (narōt) is placed on
the heads of the bride and bridegroom
during their wedding; offering plate (pnak).
New liturgical vessels and vestments are
blessed before their use in the church. This
makes the material objects icons of faith and
tangible expressions of spirituality. The use
of incense and candles is an important
aspect of spirituality.
Relics of Saints
The relics of saints (masunk‘) have a pro-
found symbolism in the Armenian Church.
They have been believed to have healing
power and they have become sacred objects
of deep veneration. The Right Hand of St.
Gregory the Illuminator is the most im-
portant relic of the Armenian Church. Tra-
ditionally it is considered a symbol of apos-
tolic succession, ecclesial authority, and