Tag Archive for: Humility

Method to the Teaching

Armodoxy for Today: The Advent Series – Private Access

Thus far, Jesus has laid the groundwork for his essential teachings. He invites us to aspire to be Christ-like. The teaching is revolutionary because adhering to it unfolds the formula for lasting peace. The difficulty of accepting the teachings, though, stems from the fact that they are diametrically opposed to the ways of a world that is consumed by materialism and ego-glorification.

In this next portion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out the method by which we can accept the Teachings of Christ.

He starts by instructing, Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. …Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Giving and helping others is important, but even more significant than the act of charity is the manner in which it is done. Jesus makes yet another call for sincerity, this time in terms of our actions. Your relationship with God should be simple. Not showy. Private. Between you and your Maker. Herein, Jesus gives private access to God eternal. To take advantage of that access, you merely have to be sincere. Give, so your left hand does not know what your right hand is doing.

Let us pray, from the 8th hour of St. Nersess Shnorhali’s prayer, Searcher of secrets, I have sinned against you, willingly and unwillingly, knowingly and unknowingly. Grant me forgiveness; since from my birth through font of baptism to this day, I have sinned before you Lord, with all my senses and in all the members of my body. Have mercy upon your creatures, and on me. Amen

Muiron over the Top

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.

Advent 3-50: Poor in Spirit

Advent Day 3 of 50: The Poor in Spirit

At first hearing, the Beatitudes seem like they are in contradiction to the values expressed by the world. On closer inspection, we realize that yes, indeed, they are at odds with the perspective espoused by the world. Jesus presents a plan for happiness where humility is preferred over pride. True joy, he claims, is found in helping others, not in the material wealth we amass.

Anglican clergyman, J.B. Phillips presents a list of the worldly beatitudes which goes like this, “Happy are the pushers, for they get on in the world. Happy are the hard-boiled, for they never let life hurt them. Happy are they who complain, for they get their own way in the end. Happy are the slave-drivers, for they get results. Happy are the knowledgeable, for they know their way around. Happy are the troublemakers, for they make people take notice of them.” It sounds more in tune with what we’re used to, and herein we understand the tension between Christianity and the ways of the world.

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis writes that the lure of happiness is the “ever-increasing craving for an ever-diminishing pleasure.”

When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” he invites us to contemplate the true treasures that are not based on the standards set by the world. A person who is poor in spirit doesn’t boast of his talents, or anything else for that matter, because he knows everything relies on the mercy of God. Those who are poor in spirit recognize their spiritual need. This knowledge is the first step in spiritual growth, much like saying “I don’t know,” opens oneself to fascinating world of education.

Do not mistaken this with the criticism that “ignorance is bliss” rather think that because of our blissfulness in the presence of God, we understand our humanity. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the pure in heart…” are challenges for us in our everyday life, to understand the grandeur of God and our place as His creation.

We realize our emptiness apart from God. We reach out to others in a spirit of love and compassion, facilitated by our humility. We are here to serve.

On Holy Thursday, in the Armenian Church, a vartabed, that is, a master of the church’s doctrine has written a prayer that we use as the basis for today’s prayer. Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we bow our heads in your presence. You, as Lord and God, humbled yourself by washing the feet of the Holy Disciples. You gave us an example and asked that we do the same with one another. Every time that I allow pride to swell in me, when I act out my pride through anger and bitterness, I become as those who betrayed you to the Cross. I place you on the Cross once again. Forgive me and help me to focus on your expression of humble service. Amen.

Cover: Luna & Gregory Beylerian for Epostle.net

Holy Week – Great Wednesday

Holy Week Day #5 – The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ begins to unravel from the Last Supper where he instructs by action, the lesson in humility. Washing the feet of the Disciples, he invites us to a call for social justice and action.
Prayer: St. Nersess Shnorhali’s Aysor Anjar;
Music: Selections from Armenian Duduk Sounds from the Ages;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for ePostle.net

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Authority of Service

Next Step #386: “The only authority is the authority of service, the only power is the power of the Cross” says Pope Francis to the Chaldean Synod. The usual is still unusual. A discussion on humility and the problems it presents in the world today. Readings from John 13, Philippians 2, and Nersess Shnorhali’s Aysor Anjar. In His Shoes and Armodoxy find a voice in the hurting world. Examples from the Last Supper and the Fool and his barns.
Nvair: “We Sing Armenian Church Songs
Pope’s Address to Chaldean Synod
Conan on ArmComedy
Dr. Harry Hagopian, “What Christian’s can learn from Olive Tree
“Aysor Anjar” translation thanks to Robert Boyajian and Hovhaness Khosdelian
Fr. Vazken on Halloween: NS#282  and Blog
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