The Preparation

The first segment of the Armenian Divine Liturgy is called The Preparation. The unit includes the preparatory psalms and prayers; the vesting of the priest; the washing of hands; the mutual confession and forgiveness of sins of priest and people; the ascent to the altar and the closing of the curtain; and the preparation of the elements. The Preparation should be understood in ritual and spiritual terms. The ritual of washing and the public confession reminds of the need for spiritual purification before the priest presents himself at the altar of God. The preparation of the elements of bread and wine behind the closed curtain symbolizes the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and the virgin birth for the salvation of mankind.  

The first segment of the Armenian Divine Liturgy is called The Preparation. The unit includes the preparatory psalms and prayers; the vesting of the priest; the washing of hands; the mutual confession and forgiveness of sins of priest and people; the ascent to the altar and the closing of the curtain; and the preparation of the elements. The Preparation should be understood in ritual and spiritual terms. The ritual of washing and the public confession reminds of the need for spiritual purification before the priest presents himself at the altar of God. The preparation of the elements of bread and wine behind the closed curtain symbolizes the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and the virgin birth for the salvation of mankind.