By Lisa Ann Batitto

On the evening of March 6, 2000, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America officially unveiled its long-awaited new edition of The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church in a special reception honoring Edward and Barbara Peters, the couple whose generosity has made this landmark publication possible.

This new edition of The Divine Liturgy will serve as the companion volume to the badarak, and all parishes in the Eastern Diocese will be using it as the official "pew book" during worship services.

In explaining the importance of the Divine Liturgy during the March 6 reception at the Diocesan Center, master of ceremonies Chris Zakian remarked, "The liturgy conveys a story—the greatest story ever told. It offers guidance on how to live a properly human life. It purports to disclose secrets ‘kept hidden from the foundation of the world,’ as our Lord once put it."

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Diocesan Primate, expounded upon these comments by adding: "Liturgy is the most visible expression of the Church. Through the liturgy, each of us is lifted out of our present moment. We join our voices to the believers of the past, and at the same time hold out an invitation to believers yet to come."

"This new edition of The Divine Liturgy is a tool to lead our people to a deeper involvement and understanding of the Divine Liturgy," explained Fr. Daniel Findikyan, professor of liturgics at St. Nersess Seminary, who headed the editorial committee that produced the volume. To emphasize the importance of being able to follow and understand the badarak, Fr. Findikyan quoted a medieval Armenian commentator on the liturgy: "Before our tongues strike the air, we must have thought. Thought leads to prayer." Both Fr. Daniel and the Primate expressed gratitude to the various people who contributed to the book’s production.

The pew book would not have been published at all, however, were it not for its benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Barbara Peters. In recognition of this and the many acts of generosity they have shown towards their Church, Edward Peters was presented with the highest honor the Church bestows upon its laymen: the St. Gregory the Illuminator Medal and Encyclical.

The presentation was the first such medal authorized by His Holiness Karekin II, the new Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Archbishop Barsamian pinned the medal to Mr. Peters, as Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian read the encyclical of His Holiness.

"Edward and Barbara Peters are very proud of their Armenian heritage," remarked Archbishop Barsamian as he formally presented the medal to the devoted couple. "Both feel very close to their Church, and take the teachings of our tradition very seriously. Edward and Barbara have been truly heroic supporters of the youth movement in our Church, on a variety of levels. This Divine Liturgy book will benefit everyone on our Diocese, of course. But I know that Edward and Barbara are especially eager to see it enlighten the hearts of the younger generation, thus drawing them into the life of worship that has allowed our young people to endure and prosper over the centuries."

"This is a great surprise and privilege," said Mr. Peters, accepting the award on behalf of his wife and himself. "Receiving this medal is truly one of the highlights of my life."

The new edition of the Divine Liturgy is divided into two parts. The first presents the badarak in Classical and Modern Armenian, on facing pages. The second part presents an English transliteration and English translation. Musical notations are provided throughout, and the introduction helps to clarify some of the historical and theological under-pin-nings of the liturgy. Other special features are explained in the "How to Use This Book" section of the volume.

Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, of blessed memory, penned the first great English translation and commentary on the Divine Liturgy half a century ago. The new volume revises and expands upon Archbishop Nersoyan’s work, so that it more clearly addresses the needs of this generation of Armenian Christians.

The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church is available from the St. Vartan Gift and Book Shop. For information on how to purchase single or multiple copies, contact them at (212) 686-0245.