Foundations – Day 2 of 40

Armdoxy for Today: Foundations – Day 2

One act of charity, one suggestion for fasting, and one prayer make up the Lenten Trilogy, for this 40 day period.

St. Gregory of Narek, one of the mystics of the Armenian Church, is known for his prayers which reach into the depths of the heart in talking with God. In 2015, Pope Francis declared him a Doctor of the Roman Catholic Church, for his profound theological confession of faith, making him only the 36^th designee of that title.

St. Gregory of Narek, or Narekatsi writes, Faith is honored in a glorious trinity with charity and hope. For if you view these three as distinct aspects of one and the same mystery, you shall forever be magnified in God. And if you believe, you shall love and through love have hope in his unseen rewards.   (Lamentations Prayer 10, Translation: Thomas J. Samuelian)

Charity is love expressed. We begin with this definition, only to build on this foundation in the days to come.

Likewise, fasting can simply be expressed as abstinence, which, again, will be more meaningful in the days and weeks ahead. We lay these foundations today so that the Lenten journey we are on will have sound footing on which to grow.

Try mushroom fried rice, according to the recipe linked below.

We pray, the morning hymn of St. Nersess Shnorhali. Aravod Looso

Morning Light, Sun of Righteousness, shine into my soul. You that flows from the Father, flow from my soul, words that are pleasing to you. Amen.

Lenten Recipes by Deacon Varoujan: Recipe 2: Mushroom Fried Rice