The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America is pleased to introduce a weekly series designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of the Christian Orthodox Faith of the Armenian Apostolic Church. 

What is Christianity?

Christianity is the divine true religion, revealed to humanity by God's Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ (hence the name "Christianity").

Who are Christians?

Christians are true believers who have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-40), love Christ, and follow His will and all His commandments. Christians also have the honor of being called "Children of God" (John 1:12) or "Children of Light" (1 Thess. 5:5). These were the people who were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26).

Who spread the Christian light throughout the world?

Christianity spread worldwide through the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. The main ones among them were the twelve, who later became known as the "Apostles."

What are the names of the Lord’s Apostles?

The names of the Apostles are:
Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thaddeus, Thomas and James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus and was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:16). Paul was not among the twelve but was chosen as an apostle by Jesus Christ while traveling to Damascus (Acts 9:3-8). Later, he became known as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" because of his mission to preach to non-Jewish nations.

Which was the first Christian nation?

We, the Armenians, were the first Christian nation. Christianity was brought to Armenia in the first century by two of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, the Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew. In 301 AD, our nation officially proclaimed Christianity as its state religion through the efforts of St. Gregory the Illuminator and King Tiridates III.

Whom do we, as children of the Armenian Apostolic Church, believe in?

We believe in the one and true God, that is, the Most Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Does the Holy Trinity mean three different Gods?

Of course not! The Most Holy Trinity is the one and almighty God, who has one nature but three persons: "One nature, three persons." To explain this unfathomable mystery, the Church Fathers likened it to fire, which is one yet simultaneously has light and heat.

Can this analogy be further explained?

Certainly! Imagine a burning fire in a forest. From a distance, behind the trees, we only see the fire’s light, symbolizing Christ. As we walk toward the light and get closer, we begin to feel the heat, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. When we come very close, we see the flame itself, symbolizing God the Father. However, we must remember that this is just a general analogy, nothing more. When speaking about the nature of the Holy Trinity, it is fitting to recall the words of St. Nerses Shnorhali (12th century): "The only way to understand the incomprehensible is to believe what is written in the Holy Scriptures." Belief in and confession of the Holy Trinity is a fundamental requirement for every Christian.

Compiled by Hayk Madoyan