Conviction

Armodoxy for Today: Conviction

Jesus Christ was the first non-violent revolutionary. He brought about a revolution – a change, a shift in understanding – without using physical force. Just the opposite, he took on physical force. His teachings have been adopted by many to bring about change – fundamental change – in nations, political systems and of course, in the person. During the last century, the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela implemented principals of non-violent resistance in liberating people from oppression.

Armenia, and its leadership, early on, adopted these principles. Jesus’ teachings, as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) are not for the weak or the meek. I am convinced that 4th century Armenian King Tirdat, who had armies (plural!) under his command, who understood strength and diplomacy, who understood military strategy… I am convinced that Tirdat accepted Christianity because he saw it as power for victory and not for surrender. He proclaimed Armenia as the first Christian nation in 301AD because he saw the strength of this Faith, based on the message of Jesus Christ, was about overcoming evil with the power of love. He understood the power of resurrection over death!

That focus on resurrection is the tie that binds together the religious leaders we have discussed this past week, from Martin Luther King to Khrimian Hayrik to Gregory the Chainbearer to Catholicos Vazken I of blessed memory. We can cite many more. They all were convinced that resurrection was possible after crucifixion because they believed in the Resurrection of Christ. They shared a common conviction in the power of Christianity through the Resurrection. That conviction is what made their leadership real, unquestionable and worthy of following.

It is the same conviction possessed by the Holy Apostles, a conviction that witnessed to the power of Christ and brought people to the Faith. Each of the Apostles went to their death proclaiming the Resurrection as truth. You do not put your life on the line for a lie. If the Resurrection to which they witnessed was a lie they would not have died a torturous death. There was no peer pressure to tell the truth either. The Apostles were each separated by distance, one in Rome, another in Ethiopia, India, Armenia and elsewhere throughout the world. They went to death for the truth, each in his own way. That’s conviction. It’s the one element historians do not mention, but the proof of the Armenian experience, that is, Armodoxy, is a living testament to that Faith.

We pray today a prayer from St. Mesrob Mashdots, Mighty King, refuge of the thirsty, Savior of the troubled, who succumbed to suffering for us at the hands of rulers. Prohibit Satan from enslaving those whom You have saved. Forbid the Evil One from seeking refuge in the House of God. With Your divine love, have mercy upon your creation. Amen