History
The Armenian Church: A Brief Introduction
Holy Tradition
It is always difficult to summarize the many facets of a faith and there is a great deal about the Armenian Church that deserves elaborate clarification. But the entire faith of the Church is embraced in what is called Holy Tradition.
Holy Tradition is the ongoing life of a people; "tradition" literally means the passing on or giving over from one to another. Holy Tradition is, therefore, that which is passed on and given over within the Church from the time of Christ's apostles right down to the present day. This is not limited to just what is written, but concerns the total life and experience of the entire Church, inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Not everything in the Church belongs to its Holy Tradition; some things are just custom and passing traditions.
Among the elements which make up the Holy Tradition of the Church, the Bible holds the first place. Other elements are the Church's liturgical life and prayer, its dogmatic decisions, canons (laws), its approved church councils, the writings of the church fathers, the lives of the saints, and finally its creative expressions such as music and architecture.
As the church continues to live by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Tradition of the Church will continue to grow and develop.