Page 136 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

Rich Spirituality 137

built of stone and in ancient times they were
usually built on the tops of mountains.
In an Armenian church, the altar faces
east and it is raised around a meter above
the general level of the church. Some
churches also have small side altars, which
have no liturgical function. The chalice,
which is kept in the porch on the north side
of the main altar, is covered with a veil. A
silver-bound copy of the Gospel is placed in
the middle of the altar before a big cross. A
piece of the Holy Communion is always
kept in a tabernacle on the altar. Above the
altar hangs a picture of the Virgin Mary
with the newly born Jesus at her bosom. No
one is allowed to enter the sanctuary, except
those ordained, who wear slippers that are
used only in church. The choir stands at the
center of the church (in some newly built
churches on the balcony facing the altar),
close to the altar.
The nave is reserved for the congrega-
tion. In the older churches there were no
pews, and the faithful sat cross-legged on
the floor, men on the right side of the nave,
women on the left. This oriental tradition
does not exist anymore. The vestry and
sacristy are on either side of the altar. The
baptismal font is located either on the right
side of the altar or in the sacristy. A church
should also contain a throne on the right side
for the diocesan primate. The old Armenian