"The Armenian Church is the birthplace of my soul" Vahan Tekeian The great Armenian poet succinctly epitomizes the immense, almost primordial, attachment all Armenians feel towards their church. The umbilical cord has stood the test of centuries, providing this tiny nation with a profound sense of security and belonging. In almost every battle the Armenians fought to protect their strategically placed mountainous country against bloodthirsty neighbors and tyrants, it was the church that stood in the vanguard of the armies. Their voices raised in benison and prayer, their arms holding the Christian cross aloft, the priests urged their flock on towards glory or martyrdom in defense of their land and their faith. Although it cannot be said that all Armenians are avid churchgoers or overly enthusiastic about observing rituals or commandments, or even marking religious festivities, they will always support their church. Armenian call their priests "hayr soorp" (holy father), as a sign of the awe and respect with which they hold their churchmen. And wherever they go, they make sure there is either an Armenian church there or the means to set up one. They may visit the place only when they have to attend a marriage or a funeral ceremony - it will not prejudice their faith or their commitment to the church. What is of paramount importance is that in the vicinity of their domicile, or readily accessible to it, there be an Armenian church - for to them, the mere presence of the edifice around their home is sufficient unto itself. The videos depict aspects of some of the Armenian church's most hallowed rituals and ceremonies. "Maundy Thursday" relives the memory of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and "Der Voghormia" and "Soorp Asdvadz" echo the yearnings of worshippers and the adoration of God.