In this rich and illuminating conversation, Deacon Rubik Mailian offers a rare glimpse into the profound musical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. He explains the unique categories of Armenian chant—from the simple Gospel intonations and Psalm tones to the deeply melismatic Sharakaner (hymns) and treasured solo works like Sirde Sasani. Deacon Rubik shares how these chants are structured, performed antiphonally, and grounded in a sacred tradition that has resisted both translation and modern dilution. He also discusses the fascinating development of Khaz notation—an indigenous system used for centuries to preserve the musical line—and how 20th-century scholars attempted to recover its meaning after it was lost.The conversation also explores the deep connection between Armenia’s turbulent history and the somber, haunting quality of its sacred music. From the invention of the Armenian alphabet for liturgical translation to the cultural preservation efforts of Komitas Vardapet, Deacon Rubik paints a compelling picture of a church whose liturgical music has remained an essential form of worship and resilience. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient Christian chant, Eastern Orthodox liturgy, or how music carries the soul of a persecuted people.my sites: https://matthewwilkinson.net/https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusic