Armenia, often referred to as the “land of churches,” has a historical and cultural fabric steeped in religious tradition. It was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in 301 AD. The Armenian language, an Indo-European language with its own unique script, reflects the nation’s deep spiritual roots with many words and phrases associated with religion and spirituality. Let’s explore a few of these phrases and their meanings:

Աստված (Astvats) – God
In Armenian, Աստված means God and is commonly used in religious contexts as well as in daily conversation amongst Armenian speakers when expressing faith or invoking divine assistance.
Աստված կլինի մեր հետ (Astvats klini mer het)

Հավատ (Havat) – Faith
Հավատ is the Armenian word for faith, referring to a belief in or commitment to the tenets of Christianity. It can also encompass faith in a more general sense, covering trust and belief in anything.
Մեր հավատը պիտի պահպանվի (Mer havat@ piti pahpanvi)

Եկեղեցի (Yegheghtsi) – Church
Եկեղեցի is the term for church. Given the historical significance of the Armenian Apostolic Church, this word conveys both a place of worship and, often, a cornerstone of community life.
Եկեղեցին նորոգված է (Yegheghtsin norogvats e)

Աղոթք (Aghotk) – Prayer
Prayer, or Աղոթք, is a spiritual practice that involves communication with God. It is a central aspect of Christian life in Armenia, with various forms of prayer being part of daily rituals, church services, and personal devotions.
Աղոթք ասելով մեկնեցի տուն (Aghotk aselov meknetci tun)

Ձեռքերդ խաչաձև դարձրու (Dzerekyerd xachadzev darcr’u) – Cross your hands
This phrase means to cross one’s hands or to make the sign of the cross, a common gesture of piety and reverence among Armenian Christians, especially when entering a church or before prayer.
Ձեռքերդ խաչաձև դարձրու, երբ մտնում ես եկեղեցի (Dzerekyerd xachadzev darcr’u, erb mtnum es yegheghtsi)

Քրիստոս (Krisdos) – Christ
The word Քրիստոս directly translates to Christ and is fundamental to Armenian Christian theology. It denotes Jesus Christ and is often used in liturgy, prayer, and religious discussions.
Քրիստոսը մեր Փրկիչն է (Krisdosy mer Prgichn e)

Սբերբազուրկ (Surpazan) – Archbishop
Սբերբազուրկ is a high-ranking ecclesiastical title within the Armenian Church hierarchy, similar to an archbishop in the Anglican or Roman Catholic traditions.
Սբերբազուրկը յայտարարեց ավարտը (Surpazany yaytarrarets avar@ty)

Learning these religious and spiritual phrases in Armenian can provide a window into the rich cultural and religious tapestry of Armenia. Whether you are traveling to the country, interacting with Armenian-speaking communities, or exploring the language for personal interests, understanding these terms will deepen your appreciation of Armenian spirituality and its expressions.