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216 The Armenian Church

ferent historical processes, experiences, func-
tional bodies, and conciliar procedures, and
because these Sees live under different
politico-religious conditions, it would be
difficult, and perhaps unrealistic, to create
bylaws or a constitution for the whole
Church. The Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin is in
the process of preparing bylaws. The Holy
See of Cilicia has its bylaws. The two patri-
archates have organized their conciliar and
administrative life according to their own
bylaws. It is vitally important to establish
harmony between the bylaws by respecting
particularities and affirming commonalities.
Like any church, the Armenian Church
expresses its unity by its faith, doctrine,
liturgy, and canon laws.

Renewal of the Armenian Church:
an urgent imperative
The questions that I have posed, the con-
cerns that I have expressed, and the views
that I have outlined are intended to orient
and frame future discussion. With the active
participation of clergy and laity, the Ar-
menian Church should engage in a com-
prehensive revision and reformation of its
liturgy, administrative structures, decision-
making guidelines, reconfiguration of its di-
ocesan networks, revitalization of its parish
life, and re-organization of its human re-
sources. The Armenian Church cannot ignore