Worship is often looked at as an extra bit of religiosity in the Christian experience. Implied in worship and the language of worship is often feelings of purpose, that is to please God. Much of the Old Testament contributes to this feeling that has traces of the pagan rituals to please the gods, and avoid their wrath.
Worship is your acceptance of Christ’s invitation, to participate in life. Worship in the Armenian Church, contrary to everything you may have heard or felt, is a celebration. It takes place in the presence of God and all the saints, and unites us with all others who participate in the worship throughout the world, as one Christian family. Here we lose the self and understand ourselves as part of the bigger collective, with responsibilities toward our families, communities and the world.
Jesus’ words should never be confined to the Church audience nor should they be restricted to any limit imposed by the boundaries of space or time. In other words, Jesus’ words are relevant at all times and to everyone. This, in fact, is another testament to his divinity, but that is the topic for another day. Today we’ll focus in on the topic of celebration within the Church.
The Divine Liturgy – the Holy Pataraq – the central act of worship in the Armenian Church is a celebration. It is never performed, rather it is celebrated, with the officiant being referred to as the “celebrant.”
Tragically, life conditions in the Armenian world left very little to celebrate, especially during the last couple centuries. The Armenian experience has been filled with disasters and war which have led to heartbreak. Armenians sought and found refuge in their church. Church became a place where the poor, the maimed, the brokenhearted and the mourners found comfort. Understandably, the word “celebratory” was hardly the descriptor of the feelings they harbored.
Furthermore, the atmosphere in church is often filled with a sense of reverence and awe, as congregants gather to worship and reflect on their faith. This can be felt through the quiet moments of prayer and the solemnity of rituals. Unfortunately, reverence or sacredness is often interpreted as somber, a state void of positive emotion.
We refer to Jesus’ message as the Gospel – in Armenian Avetaran. It literally means “Good News” – in Armenia Avetis. The Good News should be greeted with joy and festivity – hence the expression of celebration for our community worship. The words of the Divine Liturgy – the hymns and prayers all point to celebration. The Good News is God’s love for each and every one of us, rich or poor, tall or short, black or white, male or female, old and young, and fill in all the blanks you want. They all apply. God’s love is expressed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Celebrate with song, dance and excitement.
We end with the celebration that our Lord describes when he says,
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Amen. (Matthew 5)
https://epostle.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cover-1004.jpg11161098Vazken Movsesianhttps://epostle.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/final_logo_large_for_epostle_web-300x189.pngVazken Movsesian2024-10-04 00:01:562024-10-03 21:14:25Celebrating with God
What’s the difference between a church and a library? Most people will be quick to make a comparison to the quietness of both environments. In a library, silence is golden and whispers are rare, while in a church, quiet prayers fill the air.
The atmosphere of quiet solitude has stigmatized religion in general, and Christianity in particular, into a serious and solemn expression of life.
Jesus celebrated life. His call was for us see and experience the presence of God in all of creation. He challenged us to see our lives as beautiful responses of the Divine calling. “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. … Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matthew 6)
Is it any wonder that the Armenian Church refers to the act of the Divine Liturgy – Soorb Pataraq – as a celebration? It is neither performed, nor presented. It is a celebration of the greatest gift that God has given us, the gift of life! To smile, to laugh, to be filled with expressions of love and joy is what we are called to do for they soare the greatest means of acknowledging and appreciating our lives.
Pride, envy, anger, greed, gluttony, laziness and lust, are considered the seven deadly sins, because they do not celebrate life. Think of each of these and their manifestations, they lead to sorrow and the sadness.
The Armenian Church is a place where the Divine Liturgy is expressed in musical form to engage all of our senses in a mystical dance in the Divine Celebration. It is okay, to smile, to feel the warmth of love, to sing with gusto, and hug with compassion.
Yes, we may compare church with a library, but understand that in one, silence is a rule and books are the treasure, in the other, whispers are prayers and peace is the measure.
We pray from the Book of Hours of the Armenian Church, Almighty God, make Your light of righteousness and wisdom shine forth upon us and make us sons and daughters of light and of day, so that in godliness we may lead our life and fulfil it without offence; for You are our helper and Savior. Amen.
Cover: Sharing and Teaching Fun in Church, 2004 Fr. Vazken
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The first day of May, referred to as May Day, is roughly halfway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. In European culture, festivals would take place, and still do, to celebrate the nearing of summer. International Workers Day is also celebrated on the first day of May, with a focus on man and his labor, similar to what we celebrate in the United States, possibly with less commercialization.
The human animal is uniquely endowed with this ability to celebrate different aspects of life. We hold gatherings and create events to facilitate the celebration.
Celebrating life was important to Jesus. His parables pointed to that celebration and he himself was attuned to the need to celebrate by leading a productive life.
Although May Day and the International Worker’s Day are celebrated on the same day, they are not related to one another except by the fact that they are both celebrated. Let that celebration be a good starting point to aim for peace and harmony. Celebration sets us up as humans to see the wonders of life and stand in awe. In that common refrain, we are tuned to one another.
Is it any wonder that the leader of the Divine Liturgy is referred to as the Celebrant. Today, we pray the prayer of the celebrant of the Divine Liturgy as he clothes himself with the garments of salvation:
O Jesus Christ our Lord, clothed with light as with a garment, you appeared upon earth in unspeakable humility and walked with men. You became eternal high priest after the order of Melchizedek and have adorned your holy church. Lord almighty, having granted us to put on the same heavenly garment, make me, your servant, also worthy at this hour when I make bold to approach the same spiritual service of your glory, so that I may divest myself of all ungodliness, which is a vile garment, and that I may be adorned with your light. Amen.
On this day of our Advent Journey we encounter Christmas. December 25 is widely accepted as the day of Christmas. For us, we will continue in the period of Advent considering our target is January 6, the Theophany. Tragically, no one can say with certainty what is the feast of Christmas today. For some it is the Birthday of Jesus, for others it is a purely secular holiday with holly leaves and beautiful ornaments. Between the religious and the secular celebration there are many different degrees and categories of the festival. Some agree that it is Jesus’ Birthday but it’s not necessarily tied with any religious significance; Jesus was a good man, nothing more. Others define themselves as Christian because on this day they decorate a tree and attend a Christmas service. Indeed, there are many different degrees and categories of the festival. And every one of those expressions can argue on legitimate grounds that they are celebrating Christmas.
We are content to call today Christmas. In contrast, the name we use to express the holiday is Asdvadzahaydnutiun which literally means God’s Revelation, or Theophany, explains the position of the Church. It is for the Theophany that we are preparing ourselves on this Advent Journey. The Creator of the Universe and the Author of Life is revealed in our midst! And while we officially recognize the original date – January 6 – as the day to celebrate the Theophany, as Christians we must be ready, willing and able to celebrate the Revelation of God every day, January 6, 7 and 8. February 11, 12 and 13, April 14, 15 and 16 and every day and every opportunity we have to proclaim our joy and thankfulness for the life we enjoy through Jesus Christ.
It is for this reason we are on this Advent Journey, so that when we arrive at January 6, we understand the Essential Teachings of Jesus, and apply them to our life every day we breathe and live.
Merry Christmas, today and tomorrow. Celebrate the Birth, and enter now into the 12 days of Christmas to January 6. Far from pipers pipping, lords a leaping, maidens milking and a partridge in a pear tree, these next 12 days will conclude for you the study of the Essential Teachings of Jesus so that, as promised, on January 6, when you say “Christ is Born and Revealed” the words will have meaning for your life and the world you touch with your love.
A Christmas wish for you and our world…
May the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the perseverance of the wise men,
the obedience of Joseph and Mary,
and the peace of the Christ child
be yours this Christmas.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Next Step #599: Thanksgiving edition celebrating emotions and life. No atheists in foxholes or birthing rooms: Miracles in all the right places. Fr. Vazken gets personal as he welcomes the newest member of his family and celebrates the broader picture of life. Jesus’ people: Get ready to get carded. Finally a tear: Discovering the Mother Mary in Let it Be. Thankfulness when flying with angels: No mixed emotions here, only a nice variety. Another meditation for the Advent season. Komitas 12 pieces for children Paul McCartney of Mother Mary in Let it Be Atheists in Foxholes In His Shoes Toy Drive Center of Attention: Fr. Vazken & Suzie Interview (Armenian)
Cover: Pomegranates by Sona Smith 2019
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://InHisShoes.org Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!
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Stopping attempted purpose-assassination, Fr. Vazken answers questions about the Holy Badarak and its celebration. Lower the standards or rise to a higher level – that’s his challenge. Why does organized religion opt for the OFF button? What religion can learn from Google business and how Armodoxy offers an ON answer. The movement of time: 1/9 > 1/19 as Varoujan graduates ASU. Moving closer to the launch of the next step.
Song: Shushan Petrosyan “Kez Hamar” Botanical Evolution Arizona State University – The Design School
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com Now on Stitcher Radio!
updated 061121 mm
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