An attitude of reverence and respect forms the foundation of our church manners.

Concentration on the ceremony should form our main concern in the church. Therefore, heads turned to look for friends, and other similiar distractive motions are bad manners in church.

When the plates are being passed, know that your offering is for God and His Church. Follow the instructions of the Parish council regarding contributions.

If we take our church membership seriously, we must go to church every Sunday. This is the first and foremost religious duty of every Christian.

Acquire the habit of arriving at church at the beginning of the service.

The Divine Liturgy or Holy Mass (Soorp Badarak), which is the main service in our church on Sundays, starts at 10:30 A.M.

If you have been delayed, there is no need to feel embarrassed. It is better for you and your church to arrive a bit late than not to attend at all.

Early comers should take the first pews and leave the back ones for late comers so there will be the least distraction.

Your entrance into the church must be reverent and gentle.

One of the devotional practices or the Armenian Church (as of all Eastern Churches) is the beautiful custom of burning candles in front of the holy pictures. While making the sign of the cross, you say a short prayer for you and your dear ones, then take your place.

When you take your place you bow down your head slightly, make the sign of the cross, & inaudibly say "The Lords Prayer." You are now ready to participate in the service.

While entering, if you find that the Bible or the Gospel is being read, or if Havadamk (the Nicene Creed) is in progress, stay in ante room and do not enter the church until it is over.

Other times to wait before entering the church are:

1. If the choir is singing the "Sanctus" (holy holy - soorp, soorp), also
2. If the choir in singing "One is Holy, One is Lord", (Miayn Soorp, Miayn Der),
3. If the choir is singing Der Voghormia, (Lord, have Mercy).
4. If the Priest is saying the words of institution, "Take, eat; this is my body" (Arek, gerek, ays eh marmin eem..)

At all the above indicated times, wait until the particular hymn, prayer, etc. is completed before entering the church.

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