“Advent” Sunday – Lent 2012

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 25 March 2012
The Lenten Season winds down this week.
On this last Sunday of Lent, our Church Fathers direct our attention to the Second Coming of Christ. This Sunday is known as “Advent Sunday” or “Coming.”
Most often the words “Second Coming” conjure in our minds images of the end-times. And because those thought remind us of our own mortality, we’re fearful to approach the subject in a sincere and mature manner. Hence we have discussions of Mayan calendars and 2012 brought to us courtesy of Hollywood and the pop culture.
Jesus, in no uncertain terms, tells that NO ONE knows the date and time of the end. Instead, he instructs us to “Set our minds on God’s Kingdom and all else will follow.” (Matt 5-7). That being the case, the Christian must always be ready to meet his/her Maker and to give an accounting of his/her life.
It is for this reason that our Church Father’s have instructed us through the scriptural readings of the day, to seek the path of humility, to love others and show compassion. Quite simply, it comes down to this: The best way to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ is to follow the lessons of His FIRST Coming, namely to love and love without hesitation. -Fr. Vazken
Hear Fr. Vazken’s Advent message at 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…

The Unrighteous Judge – “Key” Message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 18 March 2012
The story of the Unrighteous Judge, is the last parable in a trilogy prescribed to us by the Armenian Church during the Lenten Season. It emphasizes the actions of an unrighteous individual and makes him out to be the hero of the story.
Today, in the sermon we will examine this character and the lesson he gives re-garding prayer. But there’s more to today’s story…
Unlike other parables, this one exposes its purpose up front. The evangelist St. Luke writes, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Perhaps it was because there was room for misunderstanding and confusion that St. Luke offers this preface. I mention this because many times we’re eager to find explanations for the events of life which seem like they fall upon us randomly. Seeking a Lukean explanation is also part of the Lenten journey.
This is a time for prayer and meditation, introspection and inspection of motives and feelings. The parable of the Judge is filled with opportunities to grow during these last weeks of Lent. I challenge you to look at the story and then look within. See yourself in the story and then push yourself outside of the confines it presents.
These past three Sundays—Prodigal, Steward and Judge—are all about looking within and finding the opportunity to grow spiritually, in the Eyes of God, but also for our own peace of mind. -Fr. Vazken
Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Judge” message at 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…

Managerial Skills Wanted – “Key” Message on Steward

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 11 March 2012
Managerial Skills Wanted
Once a year, we get the short-end of the stick as we lose an hour for Daylight Sav-ings Time. Unless you live in Arizona, this morning you woke up with an hour missing from your life. We reconcile with the no-tion, because in the Fall we get it back, still it bothers us because TIME is so precious. In fact, it is in such short supply that it has value, sparking sayings such as “time is money.”
This Sunday, the Armenian Church focuses its attention on the second of character in a trilogy of parable-heroes offered to us by Christ. Last week we studied the Prodigal Sunday, this week we look at the Dishonest Steward (Luke 16).
The theme is stewardship today. The day begs us to reflect on our managerial skills. How do we use the gifts that God has given us? Life is the gift given to us by God. That life is measured by time. Each of us is blessed with unique talents by the Grace of God, talents that give us identity. The chal-lenge therefore is to manage our time so that our talents are used for the betterment of our families, communities and ulti-mately, the world.
This Sunday of Lent, take an inventory of your talents. Find means by which your talents can reflect the Love of God.
“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so they will praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5)
-Fr. Vazken 
Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Steward” message at 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…

The Three Bad Guys of Lent – “Key” Message on Prodigal

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 4 March 2012
These next three Sundays of Lent are made unusual by the Armenian Church because they highlight characters that are not ordinarily associated with the church or with Christian living. In fact, they are plain and simply, bad character.
Today is called the Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Lk15), next Sunday is the Dishonest Steward (Lk 16) and the Sunday after is the Unrighteous Judge (Lk 17). Imagine that! Christ uses these immoral and horrendous characters to teach us about his Loving Truth!
Perhaps the greatest message we find in these stories is about the trans-forming power of God. That is, if we allow him, God can take each of us, with our faults and frailties and transform us. Christ turned the Prodigal Son, the Steward and the Judge into the heroes of the stories. He is the same Christ who took the words of condemnation “take and eat ” (of the forbidden fruit) and turned them into the words of salvation, “take and eat, this is my body.”
Our Church Fathers designated this period of Lent for self-evaluation. With the messages we receive through our heightened prayer life, our scriptural readings and the Sundays of Lent, we have a golden opportunity to be transformed. Take advantage of this time. It’s an opportunity like no other for renewal and fulfillment in life. -Fr. Vazken 
Hear Fr. Vazken’s “Prodigal” message at 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…

Returning Home – Lent 2012

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 26 February 2012
Home! And this is my room – and you’re all here! And I’m not going to leave here ever, ever again, because I love you all! And — Oh, Auntie Em — there’s no place like home!
 
At the end of the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy recites these memorable words. She reminds us that there is a very special place in each of our lives where we feel safe. It’s a place where we are loved unconditionally. It’s a place full of warmth and acceptance. It can be called paradise, but even better, its called home.
Welcome to the first official Sunday of Lent. While last week we celebrated “Poon Paregentan” today is called “Expulsion” Sunday—reminding us of lost paradise.
The world and the life that God has created was paradise. It has so much potential, but because of our discontentment we are purged from paradise. We know God gives us paradise, but we choose paths that take us father and father away from home. In Genesis is referred to as the original sin of trying to be like God.
The Lenten period allows us to focus in on paradise lost, to count our blessing, to see what really matters in our lives. In a word, it’s a chance to see that our lives may not be perfect – that they are far from paradise- but that there’s no place like home. -Fr. Vakzen
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…

Vartan, a prelude – The “Key” message 2012

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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…

St. Sarkis – The “Key” message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 5 February 2012
This weekend we remember St. Sarkis, in special commemoration. Our Catholicos has named St. Sarkis as the patron saint of youth.
This famous saint was a captain in the Roman army during the fourth century. When Julian the Apostate became emperor of Rome in 361 AD, he began persecuting Christians. Sarkis and his son Mardiros found refuge in Armenia under the King Tiran. He went on to serve in the Persian army and make many converts to Christianity. But in Persia also, the tide was against him. When he refused worship the gods of the Persian, he was killed along with his son. When 14 of his soldiers tried to bury him, they were also killed for their faith.
Today, as we recount the story of St. Sarkis, we have to lift it beyond a mere lesson in history. The is a story of convictions and beliefs. In fact, today, Christians are being persecuted daily for their beliefs. We may not see the swords of the Romans or the Persians, but the weapons that strike us are just as deadly. We are tempted by materialism, swayed by a general attitude of indifference toward others and find death through our contempt for Christ’s call to Love.
I ask that we take the call of our Catholicos to heart. St. Sarkis gives us an example of conviction, of faith, of discipline and true strength. In a world that teaches otherwise, this saint of the Armenian Church is so wel-come, not only in the lives of our youth but in all of our lives. Keep St. Sarkis alive always in your heart and in your deeds.—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…

Domestic Violence Work – The “Key” Message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 29 January 2012
To Heal the Pain and Grow in Love
WALK for Domestic Violence on February 13
In an effort to bring awareness and end the problem of domestic violence, we’re organizing a candlelight march and vigil on Monday, February 13, 2012. Under the auspices of our Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a task force has been organized and has been actively addressing domestic violence issues within the community for several months.
“The Armenian Church,” said Archbishop Derderian, “must be seen as a compassionate and safe haven for the abused, and at the same time, the Church must educate the com-munity about responsible living, with dignity and respect for all.”
The first activity of the Task Force is a walk and service on the feast of the Dedication of our Lord Jesus Christ (Diaruntarch) on February 13. We will assemble at our parish at 4:00PM and walk to the St. Leon Cathedral (5.5 miles). We will walk under the banner “Violence Hurts; Love Conquers” to bring attention to the  problem of domestic violence that often goes unreported because of cultural stigmas. At the cathedral, special prayers and services to bless the families will be offered.
I’m calling upon all of our parishioners, along with their families, to participate. Please check out our web-site for more information. ~ Fr. Vazken
Get the entire story: www.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…

Power of Youth – The “Key” Message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 22 January 2012
Today’s scriptural passage comes to us from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy. In it he writes, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Of course, as St. Paul writes to his colleague and young delegate, Timothy, he is reminding him that youth may lacks experience but it brings with it adventure and freshness.
We can easily attribute these same words to us, as a parish. For indeed, the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale is young. We are eight years old, having begun the parish in 2003. But, as if we were listening precisely to St. Paul’s words, we are setting “an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Our programs are a fresh adventure within the entire Armenian Church. We will let God be the judge of how effective our outreach is. Nevertheless, we have taken to heart the message that we must be the ambassadors and delegates of the Church (as Timothy was) and therefore our speech, conduct and actions must be grounded in “love, faith and purity.”
Sure, sometimes it’s difficult to reach these standards and we admit, we’re far from the ideal, yet as a young parish, we are laying the groundwork for the growth and development of the Christian community here in Glendale.
May God bless you all for your untiring efforts to aid the poor and helpless. May we always be inspired to keep it young and fresh.
~ Fr. Vazken
*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…

MLK – Power to Dream… The “Key” message

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Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 15 January 2012
 It was only 50-60 years ago that segregation was well and alive in the United States of America. Yes, right here in America! It’s hard to believe. Although, we’re far from full equality for everyone, still we’re closer to the goal.
Reaching goals begins with a plan, a dream. One of the great dreamers of our time was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He dreamed of a society where people would not be “judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
While Dr. King is remembered as a Civil Right’s leader, it is important to note that he considered himself first and foremost a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As such, he used the power of Christ’s message of peace, non-violence and love, to conqueror some of the most dirty and disgusting forms of hated and evil.
Dr. King challenged people – and continues to challenge us all through his legacy – to find the power of love in our own lives, to see that LOVE can overcome and overpower all of difficulties and hurdles that present problems to leading our lives in full and in unity with God.
This weekend, we honor the great Civil Rights leader by looking at his life and his goals. I’m honored to be leading the 9th Annual In His Shoes gathering, taking place tomorrow. We will be studying “The American Dream” as we hike up a local mountain and share in spiritual discussion. Join us on the trail or with your prayers. Set your minds on a goal of peace, for yourself, your family, your com-munity and your world. Dream it. Live it. Achieve it.
~ Fr. Vazken
This message is elaborated at 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…