CONFESSION OF FAITH
THE ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
Constantinople, Turkey
July 1, 1846

Preamble

We, the Armenian Evangelical Church—rooted in an ancient heritage extending to the apostles, yet affirming the legacy of the Reformation; planted in the rich soil of Ararat, yet blossoming across oceans and continents; parched by the winds of persecution, yet bearing the fruit of perseverance—proclaim the faith received from our ancestors.

We believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to Whom alone belongs all glory and worship:

Father, our Creator, Maker of all things in heaven and earth; Son, our Savior, Only-begotten of the Father, Who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death on the cross, was resurrected and ascended into heaven, and Whose triumphant return all creation awaits; and Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Who inspired the sacred scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, Our supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct, and Who breathes new life into all believers.

We believe that though humanity was created good in God’s image, through our disobedience, we all have fallen into sin and become worthy of condemnation and eternal separation from God.

Yet the Father in grace sent His Son Jesus Christ, the atoning sacrifice for our salvation. This free gift is received only through repentance and faith in Christ, is displayed in our loving service to God and those around us, and is enjoyed eternally in the presence of God.

We believe the universal church to be the Body of Christ, through Whom every church receives its identity and mission: to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, to administer the sacraments of baptism and communion, and to nurture believers through teaching the Word and equipping the saints for service.

To further this mission, the Spirit leads us in continual growth through worship, prayer, and study of Scripture, in partnership with all who confess Christ as Lord and accept the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds.

We believe our particular calling to be the leading of our people and all peoples into a commitment to Christ and a growing relationship with God, and to this task we commit our lives.

Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus our Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.