The Divine Liturgy (or “Patarak” in the Armenian language) is the worship service during which the Sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist) is administrated. Over the course of history the celebration of the Divine Liturgy has undergone various changes and additions. Nowadays, with its original psalms and special rites, it has become the national asset of the Armenian people.
During the celebration of Patarak the priest uses unmixed wine and unleavened communion bread (or prosphora). Each believer receives communion in the form of a piece of prosphora dipped in wine. The priest can celebrate only one liturgy a day.
Those who do not receive communion must pray and think about Jesus Christ during the Divine Liturgy. At the end of Patarak, the antidoron (also called “mas”) – a piece of blessed bread which substitutes for the Gifts and symbolizes spiritual kinship - is distributed to those who have not received the sacrament.
There are nine services in the Armenian Church. They are connected with various Biblical events:
In ancient times all nine services were offered every day. Nowadays in the Armenian churches there are usually only three services conducted every day: Night and Morning services together - in the morning, Evening service - in the evening.
All the other services are offered during the Great Lent:
In the morning – Night, Morning and Sunrise services;
In the afternoon – Third, Sixth, Ninth Hours services;
In the evening -
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