Tag Archive for: Commemoration

Commemoration

Armodoxy for Today: Commemoration

As the years move on, we are distanced from the link that ties us Genocide. When I would first come to these Genocide commemorations as a kid, there would be a stage area where the program would take place, and below it was a few rows of chairs where the Genocide survivors would sit. My grandparents would sit in those chairs and were given chances to share their eyewitness accounts of the mayhem in Armenia circa 1915. The front rows became one row and then dwindled to a few chairs as the eyewitness generation passed away. They were replaced with the documentarians – those who had filmed, recorded or written the stories of the survivors.

This morning, at 9AM, I’m pleased and proud to tell you that the Epostle.net – electronic ministry of the Western Diocese, unveiled and launched the first ever immersive exhibition of its kind that is accessible from anywhere, 24/7/365 days a year, named the Spirit of Ararat. Here stand structures from khatchkars to monasteries, to songs of the heart, demonstrating the human spirit of creativity of the people of Ararat, preserved in Web 3.0, metaverse, 360, spatial audio and photogrammetry, items that can only be experienced and enjoyed and can no longer be damaged or the destroyed. Thank you technology and Epostle for exploiting the power of human creativity.

So now, thankfully, there are more and more volumes and documents that share the horrors of genocide. But sadly, the word Genocide is still being used to describe man’s ultimate intolerance for his fellow man.

The time has come for a change, or a shift, in the way we operate. Faith implies actions. You cannot mourn a genocide without actively fighting against one. But that fight has to be on new terms. You can’t fight fire with fire, you’ll only get more fire. Fight fire with a hose. With water. Put it out.

The unfailing words of Jesus are our meditation for today. They challenge us to find a better way to combat evil.

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” (Matthew 5)

Before you say it’s impossible, is it not worth a try?

Reaffirming IHS

Next Step #464: Post Genocide-Commemoration analysis. Need material? Just listen to the rhetoric and react. The Promise – the movie and the reaction. A Commemorative Celebration through the Liturgy. Witnessing to the Resurrection and Armenian Survival by reaffirming In His Shoes… and much more…
Hinkala by Armenian Public Radio
The Promise: article on Variety
Reaffirming In His Shoes: www.InHisShoes.org
Aristotle and the Lever
Leveraging Love
Celebration of Genocide Liturgy
Trump’s Press Sec, Spicer & Holocaust
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!

100 YEAR JOURNEY at Western Diocese

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 100 Year Journey
Zorayan Museum
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd
Burbank CA 91504
Media Contacts:
Ronda Berkeley 818 437 4484 ronda.berkeley@gmail.com
Fr. Vazken Movsesian 626 676 5797 vazken@inhisshoes.org

ARMENIAN ARTIST’S INTERACTIVE MESSAGE OF PEACE
The 100 YEAR JOURNEY at Zorayan Museum April 15-24, 2015

Burbank, CA: In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, beginning April 15th, thousands of Los Angeles students will experience The 100 Year Journey, an interactive exhibition of photographs, artworks, music and words celebrating peace through artist Gregory Beylerian’s personal journey to his ancestral heart land, rediscovery of his heritage and exploration of how the Armenian people continue to move forward from their near extinction in 1915.

The 100 Year Journey installation makes use of the entire space at the Zorayan Museum. The centerpiece and inspiration for Beylerian’s work are the remnants of a hand crafted wool blanket once carried through the desert by the family of a genocide survivor transformed into the image of a khatchkar; a modern version of a medieval Armenian monument stone. “100 Year Journey is the story of a nation that survived countless perils, atrocities, sufferings and even genocide, because of its rich spiritual assets,” explains exhibition producer Father Vazken Movsesian, “It is a portal that will leave you with a lasting impression of the wonders and possibilities in life.”

During the Summer of 2014, Movsesian led a group of pilgrims to both sides of Mt. Ararat. From Armenia to Artsakh to Western Armenia, the message of lasting peace was discovered and Beylerian has documented that with a wide variety of artistic expressions, including visual, audio and sensation.

Born in New York, artist Gregory Beylerian’s work crosses over many markets and genres. He often explores the use of new technologies, material and processes to merge mediums in non-traditional ways utilizing a technique inspired from his training with a Shaolin Buddhist master he describes as “flow dynamics.” Beylerian says, “I began this project over two years ago. The 100 Year Journey is not only a celebration of a peoples’ proud ancient and spiritual history, it is a dialogue of peace. I can only imagine that this is what my ancestors wanted most for us during their darkest hour. Therefore I think it is our responsibility today to honor the past by contribution to a peaceful tomorrow. If you are against genocide then you are for peace.” Beylerian has been featured on CNN, Los Angeles Times, Current TV and many fine art and photography blogs and publications.

Students from schools and churches from throughout the State will be visiting The 100 Year Journey at the Zorayan Museum located at the Lower Galleria of St Leon Armenian Cathedral 3325 North Glenoaks Blvd in Burbank and the installation will be available to the general public April 15th – 24th from 9am to 9pm. The Zorayan Museum, by presenting The 100 Journey, seeks to build bridges of appreciation and understanding and inspire dialogue with those of other religious, culture and ethnic backgrounds.

The 100 Year Journey is presented under the auspices His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese and is part of the Centennial Commemorative programs of the diocese.

For more information on The 100 Year Journey and a video sneak peak visit www.100YearJourney.org

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