WHICH ARE THE FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH?

One, Universal (Catholic), Apostolic, and Holy. The holy fathers of the early Church, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognized these qualities in the creed of the Nicene Council (325 AD). Consequently, the Armenian Church adopted the creed, kept it uncorrupted, and conveyed it to us.

In this article, we will try to reveal the true meaning of these qualities one by one, in order to illustrate to our readers their significance and value.

WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY SAYING ONE CHURCH?

The Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is one, although it has numerous branches. It is one, since God the Father is one, who is the creator and the founder of the Church and nothing can exist without to His will (Isaiah 5:23). It is also one, since God the Son, Jesus Christ, is one, who is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). And finally, it is one, since the Holy Spirit is one, who dwells in the Church and secures its existence (John 15:15-18).

Indeed. “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:5-7)

HOW CAN THE TRUE UNITY OF THE CHURCH BE PRESERVED?

Apostle Paul answers this question the best, by instructing the Christians of Ephesus, saying: “I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. With all loveliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3) The above mentioned principles have vital importance in preserving the unity of the Church principles: “that is the calling to you/we have been called”. However, in fulfilling these principles we demonstrate deficiencies. This calling is an obligation for every Christian, as it is the will of the Savior. Jesus Christ desires: “That they (Christians) may be one” as His Father is in Him and He is in His Father, so that we may also be in them (John 17:21). This unity is called “Perfect unity” (John 17:23) by Christ Himself, and this unity is the means of Lords Body’s incessant persistence. 

Thus: “The only truly holy and pious man is he who is truly one according to the rule of the Church” (St. Clement of Alexandria, 195 AD).

DO WE REJECT THE EXISTENCE OF VARIOUS CHURCHES BY SAYING “ONE CHURCH”?

Not at all. We do not come across similar judgments either in the words and actions of our Savior or His apostles. Quite the opposite; the first gift of the Holy Spirit that was given to the apostles was the gift of tongues (Acts 2:3-4). This gift allowed the apostles to preach the word of God to different nations, in their languages and in accordance with their specific customs. As a result, they established local Churches, which varied, but at the same time were one, as they possessed the apostolic and orthodox faith (We will discuss this topic in detail during the presentation of “apostolic” quality).

At this point I would like to bring to your attention the thoughts of one of the pillars of the Armenian Church in the beginning of 20th century, Very Rev. Arshak Ter Mikelian: “To end with a nation’s and its Church’s individuality would be the same with the devastation of Christian identity and with going in opposition to God’s predestined imperative of freedom”.

The Armenian Apostolic Church preserves its individuality and its unique sacred traditions and feasts. At the same time, it is in full communion with the four Eastern Orthodox Churches, namely the Coptic Church, the Ethiopian Church (with its two headquarters), the Church of Antioch, and the Malankara (Previously known as Malabar) Church of India.

Hayk Madoyan

(To be continued)