Vartan, a prelude – The “Key” message 2012
Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 12 February 2012
This coming week, we celebrate two saints who in their lifetime were also friends—St. Vartan and St. Leon. Both were warriors for Christ.
Before entering battle St. Vartan told the Persians, “Our religion is not like a garment that we might change according to the circumstances; it is part and parcel of our bones and blood and personality… We serve you loyally in your army and pay you taxes faithfully if you leave us alone in the matter of religion. If you try to force your will upon us we are ready to suffer and to be tortured and even to die. However, you should know in advance that there is no power on earth which can force us to change our religion because our covenant is not with man but with the Almighty God.” Today the battle continues. Think of this way: The temptation is all around us to deny our faith. The enemy doesn’t come with a sword or a gun, but by the lure of material wealth, indifference and fads that discount the power of the spirit. This week, as we commemorate Vartanantz, I’m calling on our parishioners to reevaluate their faith and their convictions. Is our faith, merely a garment—a shirt we take off our back—or do we actually live the message of hope and love in Christ Jesus? The Battle of Vartan began in 451 and ultimately, we will be the ones deciding who wins the war. – Fr. Vazken
This message is continued on line 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…
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