Post-Genocide "Key" Message

Parish Priest's Message from "The Key" - 29 April 2012

 

   This Sunday is a stop between two travels. Last week, we remembered the 1.5 million martyrs of the 1915 Genocide with commemoration events that took us to different places, primarily three college campuses: UCLA, USC and UCSB. At each of these stops we talked about our obligation and responsibility as Genocide survivors to speak out against injustice everywhere. If you haven’t done so yet, check out the videos at InHisShoes.org or our Facebook page. 

We were very encouraged by the response of the students. It reminded us about the original mission and charter we had as a parish, to be a youth ministry.

  The second part of our travels takes place this week as we head out to Arizona to participate in the Annual Diocesan Assembly, held at the St. Apkar church there. It’s a difficult transition for us to make. There we will be reminded of the backward thinking that dismantled much of our efforts here as a youth ministry. It’s not just the mentality that is so prominent, but it’s hearing about and seeing a church that is missing its calling as a Body of Christ and missing its potential.

   Thankfully our inspiration comes from the sacrifice of the Martyrs and the Resurrection of our People, both grounded in the promise of Jesus Christ. From that, I know, that wherever our travels take us, we have one mission and one focus. I ask for your prayers. Pray for our Church -  our church on the corner and the greater Armenian Church.

 

- Fr. Vazken

The "Key" is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, California. Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”   Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)   At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians...

Conundrum of April

Parish Priest's Message from "The Key"* - 22 April 2012

It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? We just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ a couple of weeks ago. Priests stood up from the altar area of all the Armenian Churches in the world the news was heralded, “Christ has Risen!” I know I did. And now, just weeks later, from the same altar areas we’re talking about death, evil and the ultimate expression of darkness, Genocide! 

Today we commemorate the 1.5 Million Armenians who perished at the hands of the Turks in 1915.
Since that time, there have been many geno-cides. Strange, isn't’ it? We think we’re living in such advanced and modern times, yet we still resort to barbaric forms conflict resolution! Since the Armenian Genocide, there have been the Holocaust, Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda, just to name a few where the words “ethnic cleansing” are used. And today, there is the Genocide in Darfur!
 

We as Armenians KNOW the meaning of pain and suffering. We KNOW crucifixion. But we also KNOW resurrection, and as such we need to be equal witnesses to Crucifixion AND Resurrection. This is why, at our church, our efforts and our attention is not only on the past, but on the present. We’re calling for justices through-out the world through our In His Shoes Ministries. I thank you, as parishioners and parish administrators, for adopting this stand. We’re living out Christ’s commandment to be the LIGHT in the world. 

~ Fr. Vazken
To hear the entire message of the day listen to Next Step Episode #202 at www.epostle.net

*The "Key" is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, California. Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”   Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)   At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians...

A Blessed Fate of the Blessed Curtain

Guest editorial in the "Key" Newsletter - April 15, 2012
by Rev. Dr. Zaven Archpriest Arzoumanian

During the Holy Week as we sang heartfelt melodies at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, we read in between Gospel pas-sages regarding the last days of Our Lord on earth before His Crucifixion. “The curtain of the Jerusalem Temple was rent into two from top to the bottom” at the time Christ was crucified, as said in the Gospels. An amazing sign had its blessed echo in this lively church of St. Peter, headed by its Pastor the Reverend Father Vazken Movsesian.

The church was packed on Palm Sunday, and before his sermon the Pastor announced quietly that the large and heavy curtain of the Holy Altar, ten years already in use, was to be replaced by a new curtain, donated by a faithful. We figured at least a couple of months needed before the replacement. 

Two days later, on Holy Tuesday, while the Primate was presiding over the Ten Virgins ceremony, the new curtain was already in place and the dedication took place the same evening, again very quietly. We were amazed! A pair of large size gold-laced Armenian-style Crosses graced the new curtain. The old curtain was folded properly and laid on the side of the lower step of the Holy Altar.

Remember the curtain in the Jerusalem Temple was rent INTO TWO. So far at St. Peter one part of the story became a blessed reality: the curtain is hanging gracefully, naturally looking brighter than the old. But the real story stems from the other part of the Jerusalem’s Curtain: What to do with the old curtain that had absorbed sweet incense every week for ten years along with the fervent prayers of the faithful?
 

Ordinarily anything old replaced by new is quietly discarded. But not when it comes to the genius attention of Father Vazken Movsesian, an outstanding and caring priest of the Western Diocese, as well as the hard working Pastor of St. Peter parish for the past decade. This is what we heard him announcing on Easter Sunday as I was the Celebrant and waiting to deliver the sermon upon his kind invitation.
 

“Tomorrow according to our Church Calendar is a Memorial Day. There will be a Requiem Service for all our beloved departed souls. Following the service I will ask the ladies of this parish to come equipped with scissors to cut the old curtain most carefully to fit each part as a single blanket to be distributed to the homeless and to the poor.”
 

What a blessed fate to a curtain that remained faithfully hanging before the Holy Altar of Christ, His Cross indeed! From now on the poor will continue praying for them and for us. Our prayers shall meet wherever the blankets reach. Good for you and thank you Father Vazken our Brother in Christ.

Palm Sunday - "Key" Message 2012

Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 1 April 2012

I congratulate all of our faithful people who completed the Lenten period successfully. Through your vigilance, you have opened your hearts and spirits to Christ’s unfailing love. Today, Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. You are a participant in that victory through Lent and today Jesus enters your hearts and lives in a very special manner. Congratulations! 

Today begins one of the most sacred periods in Christianity. It marks the journey of our Lord Jesus Christ, as he enters the Holy City of Jerusalem, is betrayed, face and be convicted false accusations and charges. He is condemned to death, crucified and buried. Of course, we know how the story ends, with the glorious Resurrection next Sunday. But in the meantime, the journey to the cross is a spiritual journey that we are invited to take through Holy Week. It is our way of “walking with Christ” through His trials, passion and crucifixion.

In the Armenian Church we not only commemorate these days with services, but we invite people to participate in the walk to the cross. Each of our services have opportunities for participation. During the 10 maid-ens young kids hold candles as described in Matthew 25; at “feet washing” we participate as described in John 13; and at the burial we walk below the grave. Please follow the Easter Week Schedule we’ve provided and participate in one of the most beautiful week’s services. ~ Fr. Vazken

The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)  At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians...

"Advent" Sunday - Lent 2012

Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 25 March 2012

The Lenten Season winds down this week.

On this last Sunday of Lent, our Church Fathers direct our attention to the Second Coming of Christ. This Sunday is known as “Advent Sunday” or “Coming.”

Most often the words “Second Coming” conjure in our minds images of the end-times. And because those thought remind us of our own mortality, we’re fearful to approach the subject in a sincere and mature manner. Hence we have discussions of Mayan calendars and 2012 brought to us courtesy of Hollywood and the pop culture.

Jesus, in no uncertain terms, tells that NO ONE knows the date and time of the end. Instead, he instructs us to “Set our minds on God’s Kingdom and all else will follow.” (Matt 5-7). That being the case, the Christian must always be ready to meet his/her Maker and to give an accounting of his/her life.

It is for this reason that our Church Father’s have instructed us through the scriptural readings of the day, to seek the path of humility, to love others and show compassion. Quite simply, it comes down to this: The best way to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ is to follow the lessons of His FIRST Coming, namely to love and love without hesitation. -Fr. Vazken

Hear Fr. Vazken’s Advent message at Youtube.com/armodoxy

The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)  At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians...

The Unrighteous Judge - "Key" Message

Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 18 March 2012

The story of the Unrighteous Judge, is the last parable in a trilogy prescribed to us by the Armenian Church during the Lenten Season. It emphasizes the actions of an unrighteous individual and makes him out to be the hero of the story.

Today, in the sermon we will examine this character and the lesson he gives re-garding prayer. But there’s more to today's story…

Unlike other parables, this one exposes its purpose up front. The evangelist St. Luke writes, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Perhaps it was because there was room for misunderstanding and confusion that St. Luke offers this preface. I mention this because many times we’re eager to find explanations for the events of life which seem like they fall upon us randomly. Seeking a Lukean explanation is also part of the Lenten journey.

This is a time for prayer and meditation, introspection and inspection of motives and feelings. The parable of the Judge is filled with opportunities to grow during these last weeks of Lent. I challenge you to look at the story and then look within. See yourself in the story and then push yourself outside of the confines it presents.

These past three Sundays—Prodigal, Steward and Judge—are all about looking within and finding the opportunity to grow spiritually, in the Eyes of God, but also for our own peace of mind. -Fr. Vazken

Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Judge” message at Youtube.com/armodoxy

The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)  At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians...

Managerial Skills Wanted - "Key" Message on Steward

Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 11 March 2012

Managerial Skills Wanted

Once a year, we get the short-end of the stick as we lose an hour for Daylight Sav-ings Time. Unless you live in Arizona, this morning you woke up with an hour missing from your life. We reconcile with the no-tion, because in the Fall we get it back, still it bothers us because TIME is so precious. In fact, it is in such short supply that it has value, sparking sayings such as “time is money.”

This Sunday, the Armenian Church focuses its attention on the second of character in a trilogy of parable-heroes offered to us by Christ. Last week we studied the Prodigal Sunday, this week we look at the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16).

The theme is stewardship today. The day begs us to reflect on our managerial skills. How do we use the gifts that God has given us? Life is the gift given to us by God. That life is measured by time. Each of us is blessed with unique talents by the Grace of God, talents that give us identity. The chal-lenge therefore is to manage our time so that our talents are used for the betterment of our families, communities and ulti-mately, the world.

This Sunday of Lent, take an inventory of your talents. Find means by which your talents can reflect the Love of God.

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so they will praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5)

-Fr. Vazken 

Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Steward” message at Youtube.com/armodoxy

The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16)  At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians...