Armenian Church
Proper noun An independent Christian church established in Armenia since the 4th century AD (traditionally dated to 301 AD). It is one of the oldest national churches and was influenced by both Roman and Byzantine traditions in its early development. It is also known as the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The term "Armenian Church" is used to refer specifically to this national Christian institution, its faith, and its global community of believers. * The Armenian Church has its own distinctive liturgical rites and calendar. * He was baptized in the Armenian Church. * The history of the Armenian Church is central to Armenian national identity.
- The Armenian Apostolic Church: This is the full, formal name often used interchangeably with "Armenian Church." The term "Apostolic" underscores its traditional foundation by the apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew.
- In ecumenical discussions, the Armenian Church is recognized as one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, distinct from the Eastern Orthodox communion.
- Armenian Apostolic Church: The full official name.
- Oriental Orthodox Churches: The family of ancient Christian churches to which the Armenian Church belongs, along with the Coptic, Syriac, and Ethiopian churches.
- Armenian Apostolic Church
- (In context) The Church of Armenia
This term refers exclusively to the specific Christian ecclesiastical body. It is not a general term for any church building located in Armenia, which would be referred to as "a church in Armenia." The defining characteristic is its status as an autocephalous (self-governing) national church with its own theology and liturgy.
- an independent Christian church established in Armenia since 300; was influenced by both Roman and Byzantine traditions