Page 77 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

78 The Armenian Church

– Liturgy. The liturgy of the Armenian
Church is a rich source of the Christian faith.
It is based on the liturgies of the early
church fathers and has, in the course of time,
been developed and further enriched by the
Armenian church fathers and divines.
– Exegetical literature. Biblical exegesis,
which occupies a central place in the theo-
logical literature of the Armenian Church, is
an important source of theological reflection
and doctrinal teachings.
– Hagiographic writings. This branch of
theology covers the lives of saints and the
acts of martyrs. It provides rich theological
insights related to the living experiences of
saints, martyrs, and witnesses.
– Treatises and homilies. These writings
of church fathers address a variety of
aspects and themes dealing basically with
the daily life of the church, such as Christian
education, pastoral matters, moral instruc-
tions, liturgical practices and traditions,
veneration of images and saints, doctrinal
issues, and the refutation of heresies.
– Encyclicals, pastoral letters, exchange
of letters, and confessions of faith. Matters
of a mainly doctrinal nature are treated in
these writings. Most of them are included in
the Seal of Faith, Book of Letters, and Book of
Questions, which are of unique importance
for the theological teachings and doctrine of
the Armenian Church.