Spontaneously Speaking from the Heart

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Guest Editorial: Gail Cheleblian

“From the depths of my heart, this conversation with God…” starts St. Gregory of Narek’s (Narekatsi) prayers. A millennium has passed since the time of the great mystic and theologian. In this short reflection, Gail Cheleblian shares some observations that land her in a familiar place. She is the Superintendent of the St. James (Los Angeles) Sunday School and wrote this piece for their parish newsletter, “Oshagan” (September 14, 2025)

St. James Weekly Oshagan Newsletter

Lions and Tigers and Prayers, Oh My!

On September 7th, we kicked off the 2025-26 Sunday school year here at St. James. I’ve been serving as superintendent for a long time, and I have to say that it was truly one of the best first days ever! So many smiles, hugs, and excitement to be together again. Our theme this year is the Power of Prayer and mine were certainly answered last Sunday.

The importance of prayer goes without saying, and if you are reading this article then you likely feel the same way. Prayer to a Christian is like water to a fish – we can’t live without it! So we will spend our time in our classrooms devoted to discussing the who, what, where, when, how, and why of praying. So much to do and so little time, but we have already gotten straight to work.

During our morning assembly the students and I made a circle and each of us took turns sharing what we pray for . . . out loud. YES – out loud! Now, I have prayed my entire life, but I found this activity to be very unnatural for me. My prayers have always been private, kept to myself, unspoken, between me and God, so my uncomfortableness was a real, “a-ha” moment for me, and I designed the activity! There have been many occasions when I have listened to another person speak spontaneously and lead a prayer, but the only prayers I have said aloud are ones that I have memorized. Those feel “safe” to me, and maybe speaking from the heart would leave me too exposed. I’m really not sure, but I started to question my ability to pray.

Because of this, I knew I had to make prayer a focus with our Sunday school children. Like them, I grew up in the Armenian Church, attending Sunday school. But unlike me, these students will have this safe place to practice and share spontaneously prayer. There are many prayers that are meant to be recited from memory, Hayr Mer, for example. But I learned from a spiritual mentor that this type of spontaneous prayer actually has a name: “Eenk-na-pookh,” or simply speaking from the heart, out loud. Oftentimes the best rewards come from pushing through a bit of discomfort, so I am committed to be along the “eenk-na-pookh” journey with the children and I pray that with practice, we will all master the activity.

Once again, my faith was strengthened from a lesson being shared with the students – another prayer answered. St. James is a magical place where we are never too young or too old to strengthen our faith. There is always an opportunity to grow and learn, just like at home.

In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learns that to find her way home, she only has to click her ruby red slippers together and say 3 times, “There’s no place like home.” As Christians, we should always remember that this church is God’s home, and all prayer is welcomed here! Feeling lost? Simply fold your hands, (crossing your right thumb over your left*), and say aloud, “There’s no place like St. James, there’s no place like St. James, there’s no place like St. James!”

Faithfully, Gail Chelebian Superintendent

*Crossing thumbs when praying, specifically with the right thumb over the left in a cross shape, is a traditional Christian gesture, symbolizing loyalty to God and the cross of Christ.

Post Script: During Epostle’s weekly Bible Study, individual/personal prayer by the members is encouraged. An archive of those prayers can be read at the “Prayers from Questions” blog. 

 

Next Step Interview with Tigranna Zakaryan (805SE)

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“Navigating the World as an Armenian,” NS805_091025

Candid Conversation with Tigranna Zakarian
Internation Human Rights Activist, Refugee Response Coordinator
This is the soundtrack (AUDIO ONLY) of Next Step #805
Watch the Video at


Recorded September 2025
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.net
Subscribe and listen on demand on your favorite pod-catcher!
We’re on Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

August ’25 Ascencia celebration

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Another beautiful outreach on the books. Back in April, first-time participant John Tatiossian was so moved by our outreach that he committed to sponsor in the coming months. This month, John sponsored our August outreach meal treating our Ascencia brothers and sisters to a delicious meal of kebab, pilav, salad, cheese boregs and yummy Bulgarian pastries for dessert. Joined by his sister Sossie Missirlian the brother/sister team along with our crew worked hard to prepare and serve. The smiles were many!!
We had a fun time with Ascencia staff too – who came by to do a little filming of our team in action.
Thank you John and Sossie and to all our donors and prayer partners!!
 

Activism in 2025: Dr. Sophia Armen Conversation

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Sophia Armen, Ph.D., on Armenian Christian Identity and Activism in the World Today

The Next Step with Fr. Vazken, SE, August 9, 2025

Activism in a world plagued by intolerance, war and even genocide. Here is a must-listen-to interview with Sophia Armen, a fresh voice, who shares her views on identity, activism and global challenges. Sophia Armen is a community organizer and scholar from Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Armen serves as Executive Director of Armenian-American Advancement Network and as Co-Chair of the CA Middle Eastern and North African-American Civil Rights Coalition. She holds a PhD in Ethnic Studies and has been active in a diverse array of community initiatives.

Recorded: 1 August 2025

Links:
https://drsarmen.com
Armenian-American Advancement Network
@armenianamericanadvnetwork

From Dr. Armen’s website: Dr. Sophia Armen is a Middle Eastern-American feminist organizer, scholar, and writer. She holds a PhD in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, San Diego. Her research “A Peoples’ History of Middle Eastern-Americans, 1890-1930” focuses on the racialization of Middle Eastern peoples in the United States, from the perspectives of organizers and refugees through feminist theory and methodologies. She has been building in the feminist, SWANA, and survivor justice movements in the United States for over 15 years. She is a descendant of genocide survivors from Kharpert, Van, Hadjin and Istanbul. She served as the Co-Chair of The FF.

Vanadzor “Gar” Sewing Program – First Certificates

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On July 15, there was a happy celebration in the basement hall of the large church in Vanadzor, Armenia. At first glance, it appeared to be another graduation ceremony, but this was much more. It was a time to witness smiles returning to faces that had, for too long, shed tears and dealt with grief and loss compounded by the uncertainty of relocation. A group of women, who, along with their families, had been displaced from their homes in Artsakh, received a second chance, a chance to start over. Each woman completed months of sewing and tailoring training as part of a special opportunity organized by the Gougark Diocese. They spent several hours a week learning how to design and sew clothing, while studying business principles and practicing techniques to improve their physical and mental health. Each graduate, on completing their course of study, was awarded a brand-new sewing machine for them to create their own products and start their own small business ventures.

When Armenians were exiled from their ancestral homeland in Artsakh in 2023, prospects for the future looked bleak. The Azeri plan of ethnic cleansing created over 120,000 refugees. A group of them were resettled in Vanadzor. Although Vanadzor is the third largest city in Armenia (behind Yerevan and Gyumri) and is blessed with the beauty of nature, job opportunities are scarce, especially for married or older women who face systemic discrimination in the workforce. Economically many families find it difficult to make a living wage and are forced to leave Armenia to find work in places such as Moscow.

Epostle Team meeting with Vanadzor Diocesan staff headed by Bishop Hovnan Hakopyan

Over the last year, Epostle representatives made two trips to Vanadzor under the program “Vibrantz for Vanadzor,” aiming to establish partnerships between Epostle and the Diocese in Vanadzor. In our most recent visit in March, we heard the stories of despair and hopelessness directly from the refugee women from Artsakh. Touched by each struggle, Epostle committed to supporting the women and helping them build a new life and a better future in their new homeland.

Vibrantz for Vanadzor funded the entire training program and the new sewing machines for each woman. Today, seeing their smiles, their enthusiasm and their hope, we know that they will take the skills they have learned and mark their new successes in the next chapter of their lives. We are so proud of each participant, and we are forever grateful for the amazing teaching and leadership team of the Gougark Diocese who has made such positive impacts.

Vibrantz for Vanadzor began with the Cars & Coffee for Artsakh fund raiser at the Western Diocese and St. Leon Armenian Church in 2023. Thanks to the commitment and direction of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, the program gained momentum through the Gougark Diocese and their Primate, Bishop Hovnan Hakopyan.

We will continue to support and follow-up with each graduate as they continue their journey of building a financial foundation for themselves and their families. Please join us and continue to follow Epostle to witness the positive progress from Vibrantz in Vanadzor.

Photos From Event:

Connecting to Church and Culture

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Epostle: Connecting to Church and Culture

With over half a million Armenians living across the United States, the Armenian Church remains committed to serving all members of the community—no matter where they call home. While there are 40 parishes in the Western Diocese and 48 in the Eastern Diocese, these brick-and-mortar locations can’t reach every Armenian geographically.

This map illustrates the distribution of Armenian populations by county. Darker shades of green indicate higher concentrations, while pins represent existing parish locations. But what about those living far from a parish? How does the Church extend its mission and message?

Epostle is the answer. Through an internet connection, the richness of Armenian Church life and culture becomes accessible in real time—right from your computer, tablet, or wearable device. Epostle brings liturgy, learning, and community directly to you, wherever you are.

Importantly, Epostle is a supplement to, not a substitute for, local parish engagement. It expands the Church’s reach and supports its mission without replacing the depth of in-person community worship.
At Epostle, we believe that using technology creatively is a powerful way to fulfill the Great Commission—the divine call Jesus gave His disciples after His resurrection to share His message, make disciples, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Conversation: Compassion (even at 17)

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Next Step #803 – June 18, 2025

War and peace, as the world bunkers up for more aggressive rhetoric. Is it Pandora’s box? Or is there a way of go back to the message of overcoming violence with love? Compassion as measured through shoe sizes. The torture a prisoner in our midst. Fr. Vazken reflects about the 17th anniversary of the Next Step the purpose of this podcast today.
Music: “Hrashk” by Gor Mkhitarian
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://Epostle.net
Subscribe and listen on demand on your favorite pod-catcher!
We’re on Pandora, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Artist Rendering: Suzie & Fr. Vazken recording the Next Step in the early days of Epostle at the Glendale studio

When I started to cry for Artsakh | Interview with Gala Danilova

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Gala Danilova, a refugee from Artsakh (Nagorna-Karabakh) discusses the process of exile from their home, and how to balance the feelings of hatred and sorrow with the power of love. Interviewed March 31, 2025, Yerevan, Armenia by Fr. Vazken Movsesian The protest in Yerevan took place right after this interview. Camera, Edited and Produced by Gregory Beylerian

Fast & Pray App Available Now

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We’re pleased to announce that Epostle is adding programming from the vast collection of the Western Diocese Media Department to its pages, along with the digital works and innovations of Fr. Mesrop Ash, Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco.

Fast & Pray is an app available for download directly to your phone. It is your companion in building a healthy and fulfilling personal spiritual practice in the tradition of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Join a global community of fasters, receive notifications about church-designed fasting periods, and track daily habits like praying, reading the Bible, and doing charity.

The app brings a new element to fasting, praying and getting to grow deeper with the Armenian Church.

 

Three Days in Vanadzor

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A small group of us from Epostle ventured out to Vanadzor right after the Reclaim Conference to expand on some programs we began last year. Through an arrangement with our Primate, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, we were received by the Primate of the Gougark Diocese, Bp. Hovnan Hakopian in Vanadzor.

Our team was greeted at the Diocesan headquarters by His Grace Bishop Hovnan along with several workers. Bp. Hovnan gave us a quick overview of the Diocesan activities and shared his vision for the near and distant future.

We were in Vanadzor to cultivate a program with the refugees from Artsakh. The Armenian Church serves as a hub for these families, where they receive spiritual and emotional care and support during their settlement process. A sewing center has been set up at the diocese, where sewing machine are provided for women to earn an income.

During our stay we had several opportunities to visit with refugees in groups. One group met in the basement of the Narekatsi Cathedral in Vanadzor. These women shared their tragic stories, of wars and loss of husbands, children and land. They were all exiled from their homes and family lands by the Azeris. Many of them were living with the hope that they would return one day. These were the truly “homeless” people because there is no home for them to return to. The ancient lands have been forcibly occupied, and yet, given the stark reality of the days and times, it was not for us to take away any glimmer of hope that might exist in them.

One of the members of our team, Dr. Talar Tejirian, as an accomplished physician and surgeon spoke to the women very candidly about the need to stay active and remain positive in their outlook. She did some mild-assessments of the women who had come to meet us, and she shared with them exercises to keep them active and motivated. Her messages were empowering as she spoke of the need for finding goodness in life and introduced gratitude-journaling.

Our efforts to assist the refugees began last year when we organize the Cars and Coffee at St. Leon Ghevontyants Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. Funds that were raised were earmarked for refugee relief efforts. While in Vanadzor we discussed funding the sewing center and developing the program so that families can earn a living to be self-reliant and self-sustaining.

The Church also maintains a children’s art center. Our visit there was truly a beautiful experience as we watched the after-school class of children paint, weave and create without inhibition. Our team member Gregory Beylerian who is creative director at Epostle shared thoughts on the drawings and designs by the young people. There we also had a chance to talk with the youth in an open-conversation about issues of faith and adolescence.

At the center of the courtyard at the Diocese was the tomb of the former Primate of the Diocese of Gougark, Abp. Sebu Chuljian, who passed in 2020. He was loved and well respected by the people of his diocese, as was evident by the placement of his grave. He was a personal friend of mine. Being at his grave I had an opportunity to reflect and remember his leadership. Several years back we set up an exchange program between youth in Pasadena and youth in Vanadzor. When I was running the Camp of our Diocese, we set up a sister-camp program, which I am pleased to hear continues to today with our support. And so, it was even more pleasing to see the Vanadzor camp, which was still under a blanket of snow. The entire facility is very impressive. We discussed the possibility of being out in Vanadzor during the summer months to bring our participation to the Camp program. Bishop Hovnan was very receptive to the idea and said the invitation was an open one.

Most importantly we set up a network by which we can work with the refugees. For me, it was an eye-opener to see how our Western Diocese is intricately involved in so much of the growth of the Gougark Diocese. Several structures and programs are the result of our Primate, Archbishop Hovnan’s immediate attention to the needs of this area.

Back in Yerevan we had a chance to check in with three projects which we support – The Arev Children’s Center for Down Syndrome children with Father Gregor Gregoryan, the Soldier’s Home and Rehab Center and the New Bird’s Next, providing for the resettlement of families from Artsakh.

Our stories are being shared at Epostle.net and on social media. Sitting with the refugees, I saw in them my grandparents who were forced out of their homes during the Genocide of 1915. I shared this image with the people we met. But I also asked them to look at us, and see their future grandchildren, who will have passed through these dark days and form their lives. In the Easter Season, this message of crucifixion and resurrection is the hope that keeps everyone moving forward.

We returned to a full plate of the activities to build on. Our thanks to our Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for facilitating this meeting and to Bishop Hovnan Hakopian for his exceptional hospitality and assistance in reaching out to the people.