A Special Elixir made of Basil

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Armodoxy for Today: A Special Elixir

Yesterday, at the Feast of the Holy Cross, a special ceremony known as antastan took place in all Armenian churches worldwide. The word literally means land, as in a piece or patch of land. During the ceremony the four corners of the World – West, East, South, North – were blessed.

A cross is decorated with basil, and processed around the church. The significance of basil was explained in one of last week’s daily messages leading up to the Holy Cross Feast. Today, a small story, from my pastoral experience that I share for your consideration.

It happened during the early days of the first pastorate near San Jose, California. A young man in his late teens was stricken by a mysterious illness that left him in a coma-like state. He could not take anything by mouth. He was being fed intravenously. The doctors were baffled. His parents called me for prayers. I too was young, only recently ordained a priest, and filled with questions. I visited him a few times but wasn’t sure if he even knew that I was in the room. We prayed with his parents.

After two weeks, on the feast of the Holy Cross, blessed the four corners and I took some of the basil home with me. That Sunday, I called my grandmother. She lived in Los Angeles, and I knew that the feast was important in her life. During our conversation, I mentioned the plight of the young man, Armen. Without hesitation she instructed me to boil some water with the blessed basil leaves and take this “tea” to the boy. It would help, she said.

I’m all for science and medicine. I wasn’t really up to taking a homemade concoction into a modern hospital. What he had was still a mystery for the doctors, but, out of my respect and love for my grandmother and her wisdom, I took a thermos of this elixir to the hospital, put it under my coat to avoid embarrassment, I got it into the room.

The parents touched the basil tea to Armen’s lips. If this did not happen in my presence I would not have believed it. He reacted. He moved. They called me the following day and told me he had woken up and drank the tea. A few days later he was up, eating and drinking as normal. They never knew what caused or what the illness was, only that he came through and now, 40+ years later, I remember that episode, especially every Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

As mentioned earlier, I present it here for your consideration and ask that we continue on the mystery of the cross tomorrow.

Friday to this Friday

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Armodoxy for Today: Friday to this Friday

On this Friday, with thoughts of the Holy Cross, we go back to the original day of the Cross, the day of Crucifixion, on a day that has now been designated as “Good Friday.” On that day, an innocent man was condemned to death. He was beaten and flogged for spreading a message of love. He was mocked and humiliated on made-up political charges. Standing at the foot of the Cross were only five or six of his followers, in stark contrast to the thousands who ushered him into Jerusalem only four days earlier (on Palm Sunday).

If you were one of those people standing at the foot of the Cross, or if you heard this story up and only to this point, you would hardly believe this to be a Good Friday. The horrifying torture and death of Jesus Christ was anything but a good event.

Then came Sunday. On Easter Sunday, Jesus’ tomb was empty! He has Risen! The first gospel – good news – is what changed an evil and “Bad” Friday into Good Friday! By his glorious Resurrection, Jesus made the instrument of torture and death, into a symbol of victory and goodness. He taught us that the cross – our trials and tribulations – are not to be avoided but must be embraced. And herein we learn the lesson that Resurrection can only follow Crucifixion.

Today we pray the Armenian Church’s prayer (from the Book of Hours): By this Holy Cross let us ask the Lord, that through it He would save us from sin and sustain us by His goodness; Keep us in peace, Christ our God, under the protection of your Holy and venerable Cross. Save us from visible and invisible enemies. Make us worthy to thankfully glorify you with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto ages of ages. Amen. 

Translation: Thomas J. Samuelian, Ph.D. St. Gregory of Narek

Basil from the Trash

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Armodoxy for Today: Basil from the Trash

The Feast that we celebrate this coming Sunday is the Exaltation of the Cross. The story behind the Feast has to do with Christian forces liberating the true Cross of Christ in the 7th century, from enemies who had held it captive. This story will be repeated in most Armenian Church, as well as Orthodox Churches, this Sunday. You will also notice basil prominently used during the service.

The association of basil with the Cross of Christ comes to us from the time of Constantine and his acceptance of Christianity, twelve years after Armenia’s conversion in the 4th century. Him mother, Queen Helena went in search of the True Cross of Christ and found in a trash heap. At the foot of the cross there were beautiful purplish-green basil leaves, filling their eyes with beauty and the air with the royal aroma that the plant exudes. Amidst all the debris and filth, there grew this vibrant vegetation, on the spot where the ugliness of hate took our Lord’s life, and His Sacred Blood dripped mixed with the tears of his mother, the Blessed Asdvadzadin. Basil.

Over the past few days, I have shared with you how Christ transforms the Cross from an instrument of torture to a symbol of victory. Everything about the Armenian Cross mirrors the ultimate victory found in the Resurrection of Christ, teaching us that beyond troubles there is a safe haven, beyond evil there is good and after crucifixion there is resurrection. Believe.

Today we pray, an expression from  St. Gregory of Narek, “… the Lord’s cross, a sign of good fortune, glorious and resplendent, unshakable in its exalted light, invincible in the strength on high, standing as an irresistible champion, unmovable forever against the immoral ways of Satan’s tyranny. For the discerning soul, it is a treasure of spiritual goods, showing the defeat of death and the absolution of sin, plus double hopes for each, now and eternally. (Prayer 51)

Translation: Thomas J. Samuelian, Ph.D. St. Gregory of Narek

Beauty in the Cross

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Armodoxy for Today: Beauty in the Cross

Jesus transformed the Cross, an instrument of torture and death, into a symbol of victory. “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) With these words Jesus assures us that our most trying times are temporary. They can and 0will be defeated. You will be victorious over every one of your crosses because he overcame and conquered the worst-of-the-worst.

Jesus’ words tell us that the cross is a part of life. Trials and tribulations, evil, endings, hurt, death, are all crosses that will be defeated. It is important to note that Jesus said these words before he rose to the Cross. His assurance is based on Divine knowledge, a priori, asking us to accept on faith.

Every tear will be wiped away from your eyes and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  (Revelation 21:4)

The Armenian Church venerates the Holy Cross. Crucifixes are not present, aside from during the Lenten Season, in the Armenian Church. The Cross is beautiful, ornate. It stands as a testament to Jesus’ Resurrection, to the Victory that is assured each of us who believe and follow him.

Today we pray from St. Gregory of Narek, Grant your mercy upon my forsaken self, good king, who inspires awe, loves humanity and cares for his people, living and holy Lord who always enlightens us by the power of the mystery of your exalted cross. In my barren fields, hardened by sin, filled with folly, with fruitless heart, I am still sustained by your compassion, Almighty. May my soul be refreshed with springs of water and my sore eyes quenched with streams of tears, offered for purification and salvation and released by your acceptance, all-giving Lord, who is glorified forever. Amen. (excerpt from prayer 36)

Translation: Thomas J. Samuelian, Ph.D. St. Gregory of Narek
Cover: Khatchkar-2Bp-2B292-2BMatenadaran-2BMs-2B3833.jpeg

Cross Changeover

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Armodoxy for Today: Cross Changeover

Walk into an Armenian Church and you’re sure to be overwhelmed all the symbols. God is a mystery. Jesus Christ gives us a glimpse into that mystery with his life and teaching. We can all agree that if God could be explained with words, He no longer is God, that is, by virtue of definition, God is greater than and beyond our thoughts and words.

The greatest symbol within the Armenian Church is that of the Cross. It is an instrument of torture and death, yet we exalt it. We bless people and objects by the “sign of the Cross.” We wear crosses ornamentally, on necklaces, rings, earrings, tattoos, and embossed on clothing. If you were to imagine someone wearing today’s devise of torture and murder, such as a hypodermic needle for the lethal injections, or an electric chair, we would then understand St. Paul’s words, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…´(I Corinthians 1:18) Yes, it would truly be humorous, it would be foolishness to praise a gas chamber.

And here is where the switch comes. Through the salvific act of Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus transformed the instrument of torture and death, the Cross, into a symbol of victory.

“In the world you will have tribulation;” says Jesus. Yes, you will have difficulties, suffering and yes, crosses to overcome. “But be of good cheer,” Jesus continues, “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Indeed, the victory over the Cross transformed the symbol into one of triumph.

We pray today, a prayer from 8th century by  Sahak Tzoroportsi, “May your Cross be our refuge with its blazing brilliance. That which is named the tree of life destroyed the enemy and dissolved our death sentence, for the salvation of the universe. Amen.”

Prelude: Is the Cross Necessary?

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Armodoxy for Today: Is the Cross Necessary?

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is one of several Christian celebrations focusing on the Cross of Christ. This week, we look at the Holy Cross with reflections. St. Paul writes, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)

Let’s begin these reflections with a very fundamental question, Is the Cross necessary for  salvation?  Or more simply, Is the Cross necessary in Christianity? … the Christian experience?

Writer Nicholas Kazantzakis, best known for his novel “Zorba the Greek,” first pondered these questions in his 1955 novel, “The Last Temptation of Christ.” What if Jesus had not accepted “the cup,” as was his prayer in the Garden of Getsemani (Luke 22:42). What if he did not accept or refused his appointment with the Cross? Deeper still, was it even possible for Jesus not to take the cup, not to rise to the Cross? And if he had not, what would that have meant (or not meant) for us today?

This week we look at the Cross, biblically and in the prayers offered by the Holy Church. We begin with St. Nersess Shnorhali’s 14th hour of prayer, Upholder of all creatures, preserve by the sign of your cross, my soul and body, from the allurements of sin, from the temptation of evil, from unjust people, and from all dangers physical and spiritual. Have mercy upon your creatures, and on me. Amen.

Cover: Gregory Beylerian, 2014

“Walking” to School: The Jemaran

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Armodoxy for Today: “Walking” to School

Summer vacation is over, and schools are back in session. Learning takes place in the classroom and as well as on digital platforms.

A unique method of learning comes from the Armenian Church. It has been practiced for centuries and can serve as a model for learning in a world of complexity.

The word for seminary in Armenian is jemaran, with its root coming from the word for walking = jemel. In the seminaries, the long and wide walkways around the monasteries were the lecture halls of the day, where the young monks would huddle around one of the masters – a vartabed – who would teach by engaging the students in a dialogue. Philosophy, theology, Christology and cosmology would come together in these talks.

The “jemaran model” of learning, is yet one more device of the Armenian Church worthy of emulating. In a world where misunderstand is the norm, where personal conversations are replaced with the quick text messages, and complex problems are spurted out in a post, the opportunity to engage in meaningful and productive conversation is an art form that just might be an answer for peace.

We pray, O Lord, you gave us one mouth to speak, and two ears to hear. Save us from our conceit and allow us to hear and engage in conversation with one another. Imprint on my heart the rule to reach out and embrace others to make our world better. Amen.

Back to School

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Armodoxy for Today: Back to School

As Summer winds down, school doors are opening to welcome new classes of students and hopefully, future graduates.

Today, a wide variety of learning takes place in the classroom. Along with the teacher, professor or nurse maid who stands at the head of the class, a large assortment of human and mechanical devices from monitors to cellphones, to AI chatbots are vying for the attention of students. Several schools are restricting use of cell phones during school hours, citing their presence is disruptive to the learning environment, not only because of the temptation to play games but also they are open invitations to interact with other students and people in different parts of the country or world. All this takes away from class time. And for those without the devices, there are several intimidating factors that begin to surface and hinder a rounded education.

There are also people on campuses who use unscrupulous means to appeal to the students, so that the traditional “Three-R’s” – Reading, Writing and Arithmetic – are supplemented much more.

As a priest, I am often asked what my thoughts are on prayer in school. It is a topic that comes up rather routinely in different discussions about education. For the record, I’m against organized prayer in school. Teach your children to pray at home. I certainly don’t want someone who has archaic or bizarre ideas about the nature of human existence, to be leading a prayer to a deity that represents values opposed to my own. Rather than placing the responsibility of religious education, have discussions, open ones, with students at home, take them to church, have them involved in communities and allow children to focus on the 3-R’s in the school.

Tomorrow, we will focus on a unique practice of learning that comes from the Armenian Church, that has been practiced and can serve as a model for us in a world of complexity.

Today, we pray, Lord our God, protect and nurture our children. Give them grace and peace of mind so they may focus learning the essentials to maneuver through life and give me – my children’s first teacher – the guidance to share Your Love, Your Light, and their gifts with others. Amen.

The Default Position

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Armodoxy for Today: Finding the Default Position

In 1986, January 28, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds into its mission, in the witness of millions across America and the world. For those who remember that day, the image and shock are unforgettable. For those who were not of age to remember the tragedy, no doubt they have heard about it. It was one of those events in my life where I specifically remember where I was and the feelings of that moment in time, akin to the memories I have of November 22, 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated.

Months after the Shuttle disaster, it was discovered and revealed that the Shuttle was launched against the recommendations of several of the people who were responsible for its operation. In recounting the events leading to the decision to launch or not to launch, one of those people, Brian Russell* explains it like this: “We were in the exact opposite philosophical position, where, if you had a problem, you had to show to prove, by data, by testing, by analysis, by whatever means, to make a logical argument of why it was okay to fly. So, if it wasn’t safe to fly, you didn’t fly. The default position was, don’t fly unless you can show it safe. … We had to prove it was unsafe, the exact opposite.”

The default position was, Russell says, if it wasn’t safe to fly, you didn’t fly! The default position was the most logical and simple response, but we often push ourselves to override the default positions, and this is where we get into trouble. The default position is not always the safest position, and so we pray for wisdom.

Divine Light, God, and Wisdom of the Father, open my heart to Your will. Help me to discover the paths of life that need to be conquered and overcome, as well as the paths that are laid before me, waiting to be followed. May I walk in the Christ Light so I may never fall. Amen.

*From the BBC World Service, “13 minutes: The Space Shuttle,” 2025.

Grace is not cheap

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Armodoxy for Today: Grace is not cheap

Deitrich Bonhoeffer was a Protestant theologian, living in the first part of the last century, until he was executed by the Nazis in 1945. Bonhoeffer’s writings remain today as a testament to a man of courage and deep faith. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship (1937) he writes about “Costly grace” in contrast to “Cheap grace.”

“Cheap grace,” Bonhoeffer says, “is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace… Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjacks’ wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut prices. Grace is represented as the Church’s inexhaustible treasure, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing limits. Grace without price; grace without cost! The essence of grace, we suppose, is that the account has been paid in advance; and, because it has been paid, everything can be had for nothing.”

Bonhoeffer describes one of the menaces of Christianity, not only Protestant Church but all of Christianity. God so love the world, that he gave us His Son. Or, Jesus died for our sins. The debt has been paid, are catchy phrases that get thrown around without a second thought.

Armodoxy, unapologetically, says that Christianity points to action. That action is our response to God. He is not the Great Puppeteer in the sky guiding us on strings. He invites us to a life of reaction and interaction.

Dear God, my prayer begins with you. Open my ears to your words and move my hands and feet toward your invitation. Amen.