Armodoxy for Today: Okay to have fun

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