Jesus says, “The truth will set you free.” That truth is not an arbitrary bit of fact or evidence. This statement of Jesus is taken from his proclamation: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” For us, Truth is a person, Jesus Christ, who boldly proclaimed, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
Before Christ, during his earthly ministry, in the centuries since, people have struggled for freedom and have tried to “be free” by fighting, whether with sword, gun or bomb, based on the illusion that violence will bring about peace, and therefore, people will be free.
Jesus put out distinctly, you are free in him. The past is behind you. No more guilt. You are forgiven. You have hit the reset button on life with Christ. It’s a new slate. You are free. St. Nersess Shnohali (12th Century) gave the primer: “The name of Love is Jesus.” Love is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Find true freedom in that Love.
All things are connected to one another in a universal network of life. Economics gives us the resources to buy the Bible, which defines sin, which psychology attempts to diminish. Physics explains the movement of the building blocks which chemistry and biology exploit into physical realities; art presents in forms that express ideas that form ideologies that philosophy dissects and analyses. Politics creates systems that organize those ideologies, and religion is there to ensure the equity of distribution, claiming to have a connection to a higher understanding of fairness. At least, that’s the Armodox understanding of what the religion, primarily Christianity, should be.
In a free society, the separation of church and state is indeed necessary so that conscience can be expressed, however the separation of church and state does not mean that clergy should not and cannot comment on political realities. Quite the contrary, they are the ones who might align those realities to higher understandings of selfhood and responsibility. The call and consecration to priesthood is a sacred one not because it is aligned with God, but because it is service of humanity.
Today’s one minute for summertime.
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On this third day of our dive into ideas of freedom, it’s important to understand that we take this dive without regard to political ideology. Sure, we offer this series in anticipation of the Fourth of July celebration, and we live in political realities, and each of us comes to the mix with our own persuasions, but freedom is in itself a God-given and considered the birthright of the human soul.
The Armenian Church has lived within monarchies, kingdoms, dictatorships, oppressive and barbaric regimes, and even through atheistic Soviet society. The Gospel Message of Christ is greater than any political ideology and within the expression of the ancient Apostolic Church, that Message maintains its integrity despite the political climate of the age.
Declaring these truths is only half of the story. Living out the dream with our actions is the other half. The Independence Day celebration grants us an opportunity to reflect on our responsiveness to freedom and liberty, to the declarations we make, and to how those declarations are played out. Contemplate true freedom and independence as we continue tomorrow. This is today’s one-minute for Summertime.
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For years, part of my office decor has been a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence. This is the document that was signed on this day, the fourth of July in 1776, by a group of men who were expressing their dream of freedom and independence. They proclaimed that there were “self-evident” truths, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” And with these words the experiment in democracy, the United States of America, was born.
I find these thoughtful and beautifully crafted words to be sacred, because they express the inner dreams of humankind. In the Declaration of Independence can be heard the cries of the human soul for rights and equalities. Certainly, true religion has and always must advocate for those rights.
Join me this week as we take an Armodoxy dive into freedom and independence, in one minute for summertime.
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Next Step with Fr. Vazken, The Turn-it-off Solution, #806 – September 21, 2025
Freedom, Independence and Speech in America on the anniversary of Armenian Independence. Step-by-step instructions on how to turn off what you reject. Checks and balances. Aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death, Palestinian death. Editorial perogative. Varakakhatch coming up: The Stones will speak, they did and do in Varak. Rallying around the Shnorhali formula of Unity in Essentials. Epostle.net – for all of our programs and announcements Fast & Pray App
Music to share: Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day
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At my first parish in the town of Cupertino, we embarked on a large-scale building project which included the construction of an Armenian Church in traditional Armenian architecture along with a social hall and classrooms. We started the project on faith. It was the mid-1980s and interest rates were high – that we expected. But in 1988, the unexpected happened. A large earthquake in Armenia, killing 50,000 people caused us to stop our building process to lead the massive diasporan fund raising effort to bring humanitarian aid to the devastated region. The following year, when the Loma-Prieta earthquake hit our area in Northern California, we had to put a halt on the building process as structural regulations were being redefined. It was tough maintaining a congregation in rented halls, while the building process was at a stand-still, and all the while we continued making mortgage payments.
I went to the hardware store and bought several feet of a narrow chain and cut it into small six-inch lengths. On Sunday I passed these out to the congregation and asked them carry them around with them – in their purses or pockets – as a reminder of the bondage we were in because of our debt. As we pay for items, when we reach into our pocket or pocketbook, let us be mindful that as a community we are struggling. The chains were effective, and we were able to finish the project and gained occupancy of our church.
The idea of the chains was not my own. I explained to the congregation that a Bishop named Gregory, in the 18th century, as the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, took a large chain and wrapped it around his neck as a symbol of the bonds that held him back. He was faced with a huge dept and oppressors who were trying to force the hand of the Patriarchate for a hostile takeover. He wore that chain for eight years, to keep the plight of the Patriarchate ever-before the eyes and mind of the community. He was known as Gregor Sh’ghtayakir = Gregory the Chain-bearer and was responsible for saving the Patriarchate.
This week, with Martin Luther King, Khrimian Hayrik and now the example of Bishop Gregory, we have looked at religious leaders – clergy – who have led their people to freedom from the bonds that oppress them. In each case, these leaders tapped into the creative energy with which they were endowed. They used that creativity, whether by words, deeds or example, to inspire people to action, to move from oppression and submission to freedom. Like all good parents, they set the tone, share the message and give freedom to become free. It’s the same way Jesus taught, and therefore, how he led.
We pray from Rev. King’s prayers, The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face to shine upon thee. The Lord lift up the light of His countenance unto thee and be with thee in thy going out and coming in, in thy labor and in thy leisure, in thy moments of joy and in thy moments of sorrow, until the day when there shall be no sunset and no dawning.
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During elections, such as the one we just had in the United States, questions about democracy and freedom always surface. Democracy in America has been referred to as an experiment because there are so many variables at play that can influence the outcome. All of these variables come in the form of human decisions and reactions, which raises the number of possible results exponentially. The brilliance of the U.S. Constitution is that it puts into place a system of checks and balances. For about 250 years democratic principles of equal rights, general suffrage and government by the people have been tested and tried, retested and retried. The system is far from perfect, but still, the move forward is to strive for the “goal” as outlined by the Constitution.
The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, claims that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These words are beautifully and thoughtfully crafted at a time when independence was only a dream for a group who had escaped the tyranny and ties of the Crown. Within the Declaration of Independence cries of human suffering can be heard. True religion has advocated for human rights, and has been a voice for freedom and liberty, during oppressive history.
The Armenian Church has lived within monarchies, kingdoms, dictatorships, oppressive and barbaric regimes, and even through atheistic Soviet society. The Gospel Message of Christ is greater than any political ideology and must maintain its integrity despite the political climate of the age. The Gospel is a message of freedom is unlike any liberty that can be offered by governments or political entities. The Gospel is given to us by Jesus Christ, the Great Liberator. In the worst of situations, a person can be free. In the most lucrative and decorative lifestyles, a person may be imprisoned.
When reflecting on political realities and events that affect and ultimately control life, equality, oppression, human suffering and liberation, take a moment to first reflect on you – us – and our commitment to ideals greater than ourselves. What are the true restrictions that are placed on our lives? What is it that oppresses us? Where is our liberation?
The Armenian Church refers to the message of Jesus as “ansud khosdum,” that is, His words that cannot lie. In that context of absolute truth, the Armenian Church has presented His message, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Put the pieces together and you realize that that abundance is beyond physical measurements. It is in this central message of Liberation that the Armenian Church – Armodoxy – came to guide and direct the people through suffering and oppression. The greatest expression of Liberty is when we use our God-given power to create our own lives.
We pray today, Heavenly Father, bless those who bless you. Give wisdom to those who lead. Keep us vigilant in our commitment to pursue that which is necessary, namely life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Keep us focused on our commitment to work for peace on earth, harmony and understanding between us and our fellow human being. Amen.
Not only do elections take place every day, but several elections also take place within a day of our life. Presidents, congresspersons and mayors get the title of “elected” official, but our election process, that is, the choices we make, extends far beyond the political circuit. We choose friends to hang with, schools to attend, neighborhoods to lives, theaters where we are entertains, physicians to tend to our sick and meals to fill our tummies. The election process – whether for elected official or for the book that will be by our side for the next week or two – that process is an expression of our freedom. To be free means having the ability to choose and to choose otherwise.
The choice to do or not to do is the definition of freedom!
Armenians have suffered the loss of freedom to different would-be conquerors. Even in the harshest of conditions, they did not give up the right to choose and chose the path of God. From the time of Vartan in the 5th century, to atrocities witnessed under Ottoman rule, to the atheism of the 20th century Soviet Union, the choice for God through the power of Christ was the motto of the Armenian Orthodox Church. Armodoxy develops in this world of contradictions, amidst the most oppressive conditions, the election of Christ Centeredness is the power to which Armodoxy attests. It is a simple election for life, for the goal of “Peace on Earth, and goodwill toward all.” (Luke 2:14)
From the Book of Hours, the Zhamakirk, of the Armenian Church we pray, We bless you, Almighty Lord, for always accompanying those who call to You with faithful and righteous hearts. We beseech You, O Lord, to lead and guide Your servants on this journey so that we may be reunited with our loved ones in peace. For You belong the power and glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Armodoxy for Today: Independence Means Responsibility
On this day in 1776, the Thirteen Colonies of the British Empire signed the Declaration of Independence making them the thirteen United States of America. The document has been revered internationally for its eloquence in proclaiming the basic human right of self-determination. Herein is the tie with religion in general and with the Christianity in particular.
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another,” begins the Declaration. The document is a masterpiece which talks about self-governance, and consequently, the case for personal responsibility, because there is no one else to blame but yourself for your actions.
A child who is caught doing something wrong, passes the buck onto a friend, a sibling or perhaps even exclaiming, “The devil made me do it.” To believe in predestination means that your actions are predetermined by some higher power. The expression “written in the stars,” is commonly used and in Armenian, the word “jakatagir” is used for “fate” because it literally means “written on your forehead.” There is no escape from this fate, for it is written beforehand! And therefore, what mistakes or evil you do is not your fault. You are not accountable because you had no choice to do otherwise.
Christianity rejects fatalism. You are indeed responsible for your actions. Over and over again Jesus teaches lessons on personal accountability and responsibility. He speaks about forgiveness and repentance because these require the acceptance of responsibility for actions.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident,” continues the Declaration, “That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, are identified as gifts from God, and to exploit these gifts is done with the consent of the people.
Today, we celebrate freedom as a gift from God along with a reminder that these ideas were etched in the Declaration of Independence a quarter of a millennium ago and are still being pursued. The celebration of the oldest continuous democracy, the United States, is an opportunity for us contemplate the divine gift of life in all of its ramifications. Take time to read the parables of Jesus. He instructs us to live life, to enjoy the freedom granted to us by God, so that we may enjoy this life in the pursuit of happiness.
Let us pray, Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life and the freedom to choose the direction of our life. Open our eyes to the beauty of life so that we may better appreciate the wonders of freedom that are granted to us. May we be moved to action as directed by our Lord Jesus. Amen.
https://epostle.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DeclarationPurpose1.jpg5761024Vazken Movsesianhttps://epostle.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/final_logo_large_for_epostle_web-300x189.pngVazken Movsesian2024-07-04 00:01:052024-07-03 21:37:16Independence means Responsibility
There is a park that I pass by occasionally on my morning rides. It has a sizable monument dedicated to the veterans of US wars. On the center plaque there are the insignias of the different branches of the military hovering around a lone statement that reads, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
I happen to know that this quote is from Jesus. In the Gospel of John (15), Jesus proclaims this truth in final discourse with his disciples before being betrayed and handed over to trial and crucifixion. But for others who had not read the Bible passage or had no reference to Jesus, the quote seems like a basic truth. And that’s how it is presented to the visitors of the park and this monument. The quote is without reference, neither to Jesus, nor to the Gospel in which it appears.
One of the most beautiful traditions we have in the United States is expressed in the Memorial Day holiday. It is an expression of appreciation for one of the greatest gifts, namely freedom, and the price that has been paid for it.
A value can be ascribed to everything, except to human life. Life is a gift given only once by God and therefore it is priceless. When someone loses their life for a cause, we say they have paid the ultimate price, again, emphasizing its pricelessness.
We have heard that freedom is not free, and interestingly enough, the price of freedom is measured by life, that is, the value of freedom is so great that it can only be measured, or given value, in terms of human life.
Stephen Stills writes,
Do we find the cost of freedom
Buried in the ground
Mother Earth will swallow you
Lay your body down
Whether the words of Jesus are referenced to him or not, the words “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” stands as an axiom. As Christians, however, we are consoled in knowing that our Lord, Jesus Christ, said these words as a statement about his offering, his love for his friends, for his children.
Memorial Day gives us a beautiful opportunity and a chance to reflect on something that should be reflected upon regularly, that is, the value of life and those things that are measured by life itself. Are there things that you love more than life itself? Freedom? Family? Love? Country? A close inventory can reveal much. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King has said, “If a man has not found something worth dying for, he is not fit to live.”
Jesus made it clear, that he loved us so much that he laid his life down for us, his friends. In return he asks that we lay our lives down, not to the grave but to surrender to loving one another. It is the greatest testimony to Memorial Day, to respect the price others have paid and understand that in living, and living fully, we honor their sacrifice.
Let us pray, On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace. Amen. (from Common Prayers)
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