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…
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