Armodoxy for Today: Muiron over the top

At ceremonies such as the Blessing of the Holy Muiron, it is inevitable that someone will ask about all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the ceremony. Considering that Jesus walked around in a modest attire, how do we justify all of the glitter and gold that flashes at these ceremonies. Even more, considering the fragile state of relations between Armenia and its neighbors, and the difficulties and hardship that are endured by the people, how can this expression with elaborate vestments and ornate dressings be justified? Much like the disciple who saw a woman anointing Jesus with expensive oil, and asked Jesus how could he allow this wasting of expensive oil? It could have been sold and the revenue could have been used to help the poor! (Matthew 26, Luke 7)

The incongruity between the pageantry that accompanies our services and the simplicity of Jesus’ life have always demanded an answer. Centuries ago, one of the Armenian Church’s illustrious patriarchs was criticized in the same way. Your people are hurting and you’re walking around with all these elaborate and flashy vestments! Walking up the man who complained, the Patriarch removed his outer garments, enough to give a view of what lay next to his skin. There he revealed a rough burlap undergarment. He explained that his beautiful vestments were to keep hope alive and instill self-worth in his people, who had experienced defeat after defeat and incredible persecution. Sharing the beautiful vestments was his way of sharing the positive message that comes from our Faith. Meanwhile, next to his skin, where he could feel the rough fibers of the burlap material on his body, he, himself, was constantly reminded of the pain and suffering that his people were enduring.

For a people who have known persecution and suffering, who have seen defeat after defeat, events such as the Blessing of the Holy Muiron is a time to focus on the cornerstone of our Faith, Jesus Christ. He promised the people life and gave them hope, all, while knowing that His beloved Creation would betray him to execution on the Cross. The Blessing with all of its beauty and pageantry against the backdrop of suffering is a reminder of our Lord Jesus’ words, “In this world you will have trouble. Courage! The victory is mine! I have overcome this world!” (John 16)

Today we pray a pray by Saint Ephraim, Lord of my life, give me not a spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. Give me rather a spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love of your servant. Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother for blessed are you unto all the ages. Amen.