Frescos were a part of all church d cor, often covering entire interior surfaces. The earliest frescos directly influenced Byzantine fresco art, and through it the Romanesque and early Italian fresco tradition. Records show that Armenian artists were lent to Byzantine and Italian courts as early as the mid 4th century. Those acquainted with pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic or Oriental Orthodox services will have some understanding of the rituals. Chanting and polyphonic music make up much of the background to the ritual, which is accompanied by heavy doses of incense and closing the curtain during Eucharist.
High services are up to three hours long.
Considered disrespectful in churches is placing your hands in your pockets, or standing in a way that can seem casual. Feel free to purchase and light candles if you wish. During services the more devout will repeatedly bow and cross themselves, sometimes crying out during a service in prayer or anguish. However, at weddings and baptisms locals are notorious for flash pictures and video taping. If you are present when one of these ceremonies is performed, be surreptitious in your picture taking, but often you will be invited to join in, as Armenians feel a foreigner s presence lends an extra polish to their celebrations.