A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 27: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Like every other 13 year old, I was bored during religion class. We were forced to endure a one-hour lesson once-a-week inside the church sanctuary, where the priest would talk above our head about things that didn't matter. Until one day, a very special priest invited us to fast. That's right – to eat nothing. I don't know what it was, but that one lesson caught my attention and turned me on to a practice that I would carry with me throughout my life. It was the late 1960's. The President had been shot a few years earlier. In one year both Civil Rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and then the President's brother, Robert Kennedy were both shot dead. There was a war in Viet Nam and back in America there was distrust for the government. Shut-ins, walk-outs and sit-ins were the way people expressed their disappointment with the establishment, while drugs of the psychedelic variety were another type of experiment against the system. The Beatles had returned from India with Transcendental Meditation and groups like The Cream were defining the improvisational Rock & Roll. So to sit through a was religion class listening to stories about dead people was an opportunity to either snooze or goof-off with friends. But when this priest spoke, I was listening. His name was Torkom Saraydarian. I was a student at the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian Day School in Encino California, where he was the priest. I found his lessons fascinating because he was inviting. He engaged us – at least me – in a practical manner, in my faith. Of all the lessons, the one I remember specifically was the one on fasting. He stood before the altar and explained the joys of fasting – the experience of cleaning the body and the soul through this practice. He spoke of healing and at that young age I was actually understanding that body, soul and mind needed to function in harmony for a healthy life.Many years later, after I was ordained a priest, I set out looking to find Torkom. He was teaching in Sadona, Arizona. I packed up our young family and we head out to the desert, only to be disappointed to learn the Teacher had passed away only a few months before we arrived. I was truly looking forward to meeting with him. I had followed only peripherally his teachings but knew that we were kindred spirits. A few years after our trip to Sedona I connected with his daughter Gita who was keeping Torkom's legacy alive through the publication of his books and lessons in Ageless Wisdom.*In his lifetime, Torkom had authored many books and touched many lives with his wisdom and teaching. One of his many volumes is titled “Healing.” I wish to share with you a few excerpts from the first chapter of the book, called “Striving Toward Perfection.”The Ageless Wisdom teaches us that the major foundation of health is striving toward perfection… There are three stages of perfection. The first is called Transfiguration. The second is called Mastery. The third one is called Resurrection.All branches of the Ageless Wisdom – religions, traditions, legends, myths, etc. – have one major goal: to bring to the people of the world all the laws, rules, principles, ideas and the teachings which will make them healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally.Of course health, in turn, brings happiness, prosperity and success. To be healthy means to be healthy in all your personality vehicles – the physical, emotional, and mental bodies. Unless these bodies are healthy, you cannot be considered a healthy person. And these three bodies must unfold and develop simultaneously until they reach a high degree of integration in which they cooperate with maximum efficiency and without hindering each other's growth.I wish to leave you to contemplate these thoughts from Torkom Saraydarian on this 27th Day on the Road to Healing. Keep in mind that we stepped foot on this road only twenty seven days ago, but the true journey – the one filled with inquiries, answers, growth and completeness, is one we have been on all our life. I look forward to continuing with you tomorrow. * For more on Ageless Wisdom and Torkom Saraydarian: http://www.tsgfoundation.org/Photo: At Saraydarian Center, Arizona with In His Shoes Group 2003Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.net

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 19: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Did you ever get something you didn't bargain for? This could be negative or positive. You've probably experienced the “Express Lube” centers where we go in for an oil-change only to be offered upgrades and extra services that do little except to drain your wallet. Or what I call the “and up” print. This is that small print usually underneath the price of an item that let's you know you may get the item for $29.95, but it is more likely that you will find something of decent quality in the “and up” price range. There are of course, positive extras which are real bargains. You sit at a restaurant and order a meal. When the bill comes it's less than you thought it would be; your order was on the luncheon specials menu. You go for a medical exam because your blood pressure has been up. You find out your new diet has reduced your blood pressure and on top of it, you've dropped an extra 10 pounds. These are the extras that we all like and wish there was more of. There was a man who was paralyzed and lived his life on a stretcher. His family had heard that Jesus was performing miracles, healing the lame and the ill. They took this man on the stretcher so that he might be healed and walk again. When they came close to the house where Jesus was staying they saw that it was impossible to get in or even near Jesus. The house was full, the windows and doors were blocked by people trying to get in and even the front and back yards were jammed with those who hoped only for a glance or a whisper from Jesus. They took the paralytic on his stretcher up to the roof of the house. They were so determined for him to be healed that they broke a hole in the roof and lowered the paralyzed man through the attic to a spot immediately in front of Jesus. Seeing the faith of these people and moved by their determination to get in, Jesus turned to the man and said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Wait a minute! Sins? Who's talking about sins? They went to all that trouble, carrying him up to the roof, tore the tiles and lowered the paralytic into the house for the forgiveness of sins? Was he serious? Couldn't he see that this man wanted to be healed? This man wanted to walk. Why was Jesus forgiving sins? And on top of it, who was Jesus that might presume that he could forgive this man's sins? Jesus looked at the people and asked them straight out, “Why are you troubled by this? Why are you questioning this in your heart? Which is easier? To tell this man ‘Your sins are forgiven?' Or to tell him, ‘Rise, Take up your stretcher and walk.' But so that you man know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralytic, “Get up! Rise! Pick up your stretcher, walk and go home.” The story, which is recorded in three of the Gospels says that the man rose “Immediately” picking up his stretcher and walked home. The man came looking for a low-level miracle. He wanted to get up and walk. The extra bonus, which was the real miracle, was that he was forgiven. He was let go of his past. Jesus referring to himself as the “Son of Man” in this context is the expression and ability that he is one of us. That is, this power to forgive is given to all of us. Even more, his question, “Which is easier to forgive sins or to say ‘Rise and Walk!'” informs us that the path to health, to rising and walking, to healing, to recovery, to reconciliation is with the basic step of forgiving. Today's meditation comes to us from this story. It's a challenging contemplation. We are all like the paralytic in the story, that is, we are bound up by our illness and disease. He was unable to move because of the loss of motor skills. You may be stuck because of your lack of self-esteem, or stifled because of a love lost or struggling because of an addiction. What is it that you really want? Do you want to walk? Or do you want to be relieved of the illness and the struggles that prevent you from walking? We shake off some of the difficulties with this mediation today and return tomorrow to move forward on the Road to Healing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Day #40 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereMusic: Lifebeats by Jethro TullLenten Recipe 40: Jicama Salad Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #39 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereOutreach Lenten Recipe 39: Tropical Sweet Potatoes Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #38 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe RSVP Lenten Recipe 38: Peach SalsaProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #37 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereEmmaus Lenten Recipe 37: Artichoke Risotto Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #36 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereBidding of LuckLenten Recipe 36: MutabbelProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #35 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereEnding with the Beginning.Lenten Recipe 35: Roasted Eggplant with CashewsProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #34 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereCompletion "LP"Lenten Recipe 34: Red Bean Appetizer Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #33 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThanksgiving. Lenten Recipe 33: Grilled Red Pepper and Eggplant Sandwiches Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #32 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereSet Free. Lenten Recipe 32: Olivada Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #31 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereConfessionLenten Recipe 31: Tomato and Bread SoupProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #30 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file herePrayer of St. John Chysostom.Lenten Recipe 30: Rice Desert with CherriesProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #29 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereSong: Orhnyal eh Asdvadz by Seminarians at Vazkenian SeminaryLenten Recipe 29: Mediterranean Bean Salad Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #28 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereDer Voghormya - Lord Have Mercy. Lenten Recipe 28: Broiled Lemon-garlic MushroomsProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #27 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereInclination, Elevation, Presentation. Lenten Recipe 27: Cold Linguine with Red Pepper, Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomato Sauce Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #26 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe "Our Father"Lenten Recipe 26: Cold Noodles in Spicy Sesame SauceProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #25 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereForm & Function - Amen. Yev unt hokvoit koom. Lenten Recipe 25: Curry Butternut SquashProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #24 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereLiving in Christ.Lenten Recipe 24: "Berry Good Chili"Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #23 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereAsleep in Christ.Lenten Recipe 23: Roasted Red Pepper and Fresh Chickpea PastaProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #22 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe Epiclesis - The Body & Blood of Christ. Lenten Recipe 22: Susty's Super Tofu SaladProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #21 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe Grace of God Lenten Recipe 21: Lenten CookiesProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #20 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereWords of Institution.Lenten Recipe 20: Hot and Sour SoupProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #19 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereHoly, Holy, Holy.Lenten Recipe 19: Baked Sweet Potato WedgesProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #18 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereMercy Lenten Recipe 18: Peach CobblerProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #17 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereOther musicFocused Vision Vazkenian Seminarians, Lake Sevan Lenten Recipe 17: Asian Noodles with EdamameProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #16 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe gifts arrive.Lenten Recipe 16: Cherry Walnut ChewsProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #15 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereWorthiness to minister. Lenten Recipe 15: Suonomo (Cucumber Salad)Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #14 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereEntering the Eucharist. Lenten Recipe 14: Hot and Sour CabbageProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #13 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file here"As for us" - The anathema. Lenten Recipe 13: Stir - Fried AsparagusProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #12 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe Creed. This is what we believe. Lenten Recipe 12: Portobello-Seitan HashProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #11 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereOn the Scriptural readings and hearings. Lenten Recipe 11: Roasted Potato Fans!Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #10 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereThe Jashoo Portion to Sourp Asdvadz.Lenten Recipe 10: Red Cabbage SlawProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #9 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereDescent into our world.Lenten Recipe 9: Stuffed EggplantsProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #8 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereBehind the curtain.Lenten Recipe 8: Almond French ToastProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #7 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereMystery: Entering the Church.Lenten Recipe 7: Mushroom RaguProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #6 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. The priest is fully vested, and here we remember one more means of physical preparation via fasting. We agreed earlier to look at the physical preparations first, before the spiritual and emotional preparations, for in fact the physical dimensions of anything are always easier to comprehend. We learned about each of the articles of the vestments which transforms the priest for the celebration of celebrations. Fasting is the bridge between the physical and emotional. While the abstinence from food is the outward expression of fasting, the appeal to discipline and strength of will are matters of the spirit and soul.In our Lord's life, there is a story where a young man is brought to Jesus to have a foul spirit exorcised from him. The boy's father had appealed to the disciples who, though commissioned to be able to heal, were unable to do so. When Jesus removes the unclean spirit from the boy, the disciples ask him, “Why were we unable to cast out the demon?  To which Jesus responds, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9)Prayer and fasting go hand and hand. Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” A pure heart is accented with the pure body, for in fact, the purpose of the Divine Liturgy is to come into the presence of God – to commune with God, to see God. Fasting is the key to that physical purity – to cleanse and purge the system from all impurity so that the Holy Sacrament is accepted in cleanliness. Fasting also heightens our understanding of necessity. When we fast, in our hunger, we naturally think of our next meal – we look forward to satisfying our hunger. It is during these moments that we must ask ourselves what is truly essential for life. How important are those meals? We come to view in a different manner Christ's words, that bread alone is not essential for life, but life finds meaning and fulfillment by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Matthew 4)  Physical preparedness gives us a foundation on which our spiritual side, our soul must be ready for this Sacrament. In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord directs us to the spiritual preparedness for the Holy Eucharist. He says, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” This is the highest form of preparedness for the Divine Liturgy – to be at peace with our fellow human being. Yes, the vestments and fasting are essential, but our Lord sets apart this rule for the altar table as a necessity. Earlier when I mentioned that emotional and spiritual preparedness were much more difficult to understand than the physical side of preparedness, I was alluding to this commandment. Wearing robes and even abstaining from food is not as difficult as this most important rule of preparation. Note that our Lord put the harmony between us humans as a higher priority than God! Again, he says, leave your gift at the altar – more important than God – go and reconcile with your brother or sister. This first week of the Lenten Journey we walked the course of preparedness. While each article of the vestment set gave us a chance to reflect on various aspects of readiness, the most important lesson of all these days is the need to prepare the soul for the Holy Divine Liturgy. It is the reconciliation between us that is at the heart of the Liturgy. It is what St. John the Evangelist speaks of when he says, “For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” It's that simple and yet that difficult.If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereFasting in preparation. Lenten Recipe 6: Roasted VeggiesProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #5 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. On this fifth day of this Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy, we end the sessions on physical preparation by understanding the role of the robe, or shourjar. Thus far we have observed the transformation of the priest in the vestry of the church. He has donned new clothes, the very special vestments that are designated for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. As the name shourjar implies, is placed around the entire – shourj - body of priest. Here, he prays, “In your mercy, O Lord, clothe me with a radiant garment and fortify me against the influences of the evil one, that I may be worthy to glorify your glorious name.” As this final piece of the vestment set is worn by the priest the intention of the Liturgy is presented. Although the robe is ornamental, bright and colorful, the priest is reminded that it is not for his own glory that this sacrament is being celebrated but for the glory of God. As a huge shield, the shourjar surrounds the priest with a special energy. This energy is beauty and strength combined. Often these two words are not used together in describing something. In fact we separate them as diametrically opposed to one another. Braun and beauty we say. Or even cruelly, we say beauty and the beast. Here, the shourjar shows us that there is beauty in strength and strength in beauty. Not only is one not exclusive of the other, but in fact a necessary component of one another. The shourjar is radiating as the top garment of the vestment set, and it radiates power over the forces of evil. There is nothing greater nor more powerful than complete beauty, which is an expression of goodness and love. Jesus was the Love and Goodness incarnate, and a testament to strength and power which changed the very foundation of our world – for in fact, the manifestation of that power and strength is in the goodness done through works.  The lesson for today is that although the priest is standing with beautiful vestments, as a new man, before the altar and congregation, he is there as a servant, to serve something greater than himself. He has removed the old garments and donned a new set of vestments that set him apart from the world as a reminder that the journey is one that transcends the daily rituals of life. Ego has been placed in check. It is not about him, but about the one who is the author of him. As we prepare ourselves for the journey that is still before us, let us contemplate own newness as we walk. Every article of clothing has a purpose and a mission. So too in our lives, every heartbeat, every eye blink, every muscle and organ of our body has a function and purpose that must be in sync with our feelings, thoughts and soul. We are called to meditate on our uniqueness, our beauty, our sense of wonder… each of us set apart from the other uniquely, only to come back together for the purpose to love one another. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file herePreparation of the priest, the shoujar, beauty and strength. Lenten Recipe 5: Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries and Pecans!Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #4 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. In physically preparing for the Divine Liturgy the priest dons a set of vestments, specifically designated for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Yesterday we were introduced to the tak crown, the white shabikshirt, and oorar or the stole. Today we will continue with the vesting process by understanding the role of the belt, the vagas, and the cuffs.The belt, or godi, is placed around the shirt and the stole which is hanging from the priest's neck. The priest recites, “May the girdle of faith encircle me round about my heart and my mind and quench vile thoughts out of them and may the power of Your grace abide in them at all time, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  As the belt circles his body, we are to understand the totality of commitment to the sacred celebration. Note that the physical attributes of the belt point to the spiritual union of heart and mind in the celebration. Our bodies are the vessels inside which the mind and soul of our being resides. To engage in the Divine we must be present with all of our faculties. The five physical sense of taste, smell, sight, sound and touch are highlighted with the experiences we feel through our heart and engage with our mind. The priest is completely committed at this point, and beckons that we give all of our selves to the celebration.Next the priest places his hands through the bazbans, or cuffs, so that they cover his arms. He prays, “Give strength, O Lord, to my right and left hands and wash all my filthiness that I may be able to serve you in health of soul and body.” The arms and hands are the means by which the physical work of the church is accomplished. Here, the request for strength should be not be underplayed. Strength is endurance. Strength is patience. Strength is muscle. The Celebration of the Divine Liturgy is an action that has implications and consequences in the real world. Much like the gladiators of old, who would place cuffs on their forearms for protection and as a symbol of strength, the priest is reminded of the necessity to work for the victory, that is, success, of this Mystery known as the Divine Liturgy.Now the priest well ready to celebrate, and so the next vestment is one which calls for focus. The vagas is placed around the back of the neck of the priest. It stands high and surrounds the back of his head. As the oorar reminded the priest of the yoke, or the burden placed around his neck, the vagas is a reminder of what are sometimes called “blinders” that we see around the eyes of the beasts of burden. While temptation is from all around, the vagas forces the priest's attention to the celebration of the Liturgy, and the common cup at the center of the Holy Eucharist. In a moment of temptation if the priest's attention is steered to the right or left, the blinders prevent him from looking further and readjust his attention to the work before him. This is a very special vestment that directs the senses to the essentials of the Liturgy and therefore the essentials of life. The final article of the vestment set is the robe or shourjar, which we will learn about tomorrow. For today let us focus on the belt, the cuffs and the vagas, as three reminders of commitment. Our devotion must be circular, like the belt, with no signs of beginning or end, encircling our entire being through body, soul and mind. Our faith must be fortified by strength, as the cuffs provide, so that we understand that the purpose of our faith is to do - to share, love and work for the betterment of life.  Our life must be focused, as the vagas directs us, to concentrate on the matters at hand. And if, by the temptation of the moment we should wonder, may we be reminded of the awesome beauty of the life that is in front of us. If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereContinuing on physical preparations and the vestments - the belt, the cuffs and the vagas, calling for commitment, strength and focus. Lenten Recipe 4: Spinach Salad with Passionfruit Dressing and Maple-Glazed AlmondsProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #3 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. On this 3rd Day of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy we continue on the theme of preparation, by examining the vestments and vesting process of the priest. The priest as well as each participant of the Divine Liturgy must prepare her or himself spiritually, emotionally and physically, for such an awesome experience as the one expressed in the Divine Liturgy. Physical preparation is the easiest to comprehend. In the vestry of the church, the priest takes offers a prayer request as he dons each piece of his vestment. He begins from the top, by placing the crown on his head and praying, “Put, O Lord, upon my head the helmet of salvation to fight against the powers of the enemy, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Often, the crown is considered a sign of royalty, in this case, the prayer likens it to a helmet in preparation against the forces of evil. The challenges in life are remembered, that life is one defined by responsibilities to love and proclaim the light of Christ. The obstacles to do so are many. The helmet is a reminder of that struggle to love, even when the obstacles persist and even when his love is misunderstood or even rejected.Next the priest wears the white robe by praying, “Clothe me, O Lord, with the garment of salvation and with a robe of gladness, and gird me with the vestment of salvation.” Note here, that the physical robe is not merely defined by its color of purity, but by a condition of gladness. The joy of salvation transcends time, not to be understood only in terms of a time to come, but as a living expression within the heart of the priest.The stole is next placed over the neck of the priest as he prays, “Clothe my neck, O Lord, with righteousness and cleanse my heart from all filthiness of sin.” Here we remember Christ's words, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. “In fact, the High Priest himself, Christ, demands that we take the yoke, symbolic of the burdens attached to life, with the gentle reminder that in meekness and in purity of heart, we are able to endure and overcome our difficulties and challenges. The deacon, wears a similar stole, but only partially on his or her shoulder. It refers to the same yoke of Christ. It is here that we break for this 3rd day of the Lenten Journey, with a mediation on that yoke. From the vestments we have discussed thus far, we understand that the spiritual warfare of the Christian is a challenge to love. Often, we merely think of the Christian experience and struggle as a challenge to abstain from certain types of behavior. In fact, the Christian understanding of struggle is quite the opposite – it is one of engaging in the good, by loving, sharing of the self through humility and meekness. The Christian is called to do, not to abstain, that is, to take on the yoke, the burden offered by Christ, to love unceasingly, even against the odds and obstacles. It is the higher challenge that defines us in our faith and certainly in our life. Today we mediate on the transformation process thus far expressed by the crown, the robe and the stole – the fight to love, to do so with joy and to understand the awesome responsibility that comes with it. Tomorrow we continue on this spiritual journey and continue examining the other vestments.If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file herePhysical Preparations and the vestments - the crown, the robe, the stole and the demand to love. Lenten Recipe 3: Spicy Peanut NoodlesProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #2 of the Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Vazken Movsesian. It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Perhaps a more proper translation of this thought offered by Lao Tzu is that The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet. No matter how we say it, the journey into the Divine Liturgy, and therefore into the Divine, begins with a step of the foot, but that foot must be ready – socks and shoes, muscles and even callouses, to travel the road ahead. Preparation for the Divine Liturgy is essential. A soul who is present and ready for this Divine Mystery must prepare itself, as must the minister who will be celebrate the Liturgy. Both the priest and the participant enter to the sanctuary putting off their worldly garments and understand that there is a sacredness to the space they enter. The physical structure of the church is most often the place where this sacrament is celebrated. It has been consecrated, that is, it has been set aside for the purpose of this sacred work, just as the priest, the minister of the sacrament, is consecrated and ordained for this celebration. He is man, not God. He stands humbly before the presence of God. As you can imagine, there can be no ego present at this moment, and so begins the stripping of the trappings of the world.Because the Divine Liturgy is such an awesome and sacred ceremony, the participant goes through a series of physical, spiritual and emotional preparatory activities. Let us begin with the physical preparation, because by far, it is the easiest to comprehend. In the vestry of the church the priest engages in a transformative process. The Divine Liturgy begins with the reciting of Psalm 132, “Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; and let your saints shout for joy.” As we hear, the first utterances are in the spirit of a festival – shouting for joy! In fact, the Divine Liturgy is a celebration. In that spirit, the Priest offers his first prayer of the day before transforming himself with the physical robes and vestments of the day. As we listen to it, place yourself in that spirit of joy and understanding. It is the First Step of our journey:O Jesus Christ our Lord who are clothed with light as with a garment, you did appear upon earth in unspeakable humility and walked with men and women. [As you grant me permission to be vested for this service] make me, your unprofitable servant, also worthy at this hour to approach the spiritual service of your glory, so that I may divest myself of all ungodliness which is a garment of defilement, and that I may be adorned with your light. Cast away my wickedness from me and shake me out of my transgressions that I may be made worthy of the light prepared by you in the world to come. Grant me to enter with priestly glory upon the ministry of your holy things. Christ, you did bear the sins of all, for you are the holiness of our souls and upon you, befits glory, dominion and honor. In saying this prayer, we take the first step of preparation. We will continue tomorrow by introducing the vestments that prepare us physically to celebrate with joy, the Divine Liturgy.If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file hereToday: Preparations - taking the first step before vesting. Lenten Recipe 2: Mushroom Fried RiceProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netBackground Lent Song: Here I Am to Worship played by Heidi Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Day #1 of a 40 day series of broadcasts by Fr. Vazken Movsesian Jesus is the name of Love, says St. Nersess Shnorhali, and it is from this proclamation that we begin our Lenten Journey into the Divine Liturgy. Love is the one thing in life that crosses over ethnic, gender, socio-economic, geographic, and other differences  that divide the world and humanity. It is the most powerful and yet most delicate energy known to humankind. It is said that it can move mountains, yet untamed it can destroy the strongest heart. We often speak of the mystical and spiritual dimensions of life, understanding that there is more to life than the temporal trappings – that which we sense, whether through feelings, taste, smell, vocal and audible utterings. This dimension of life, that which is beyond our physical understanding, we assign to God, to Energy, to the Universe or in one word, the Divine. However or in what manner we try to describe it, we come to a point where our limited faculties are unable to comprehend the vastness of the Divine. Within Orthodoxy we appeal to sacraments, that is, the outward and comprehendible means by which the incomprehensible is delivered to us. Of the 7 known Sacraments, the Holy Eucharist, the Divine Liturgy, is the one which is most accessible to us all. Our first day of this Journey begins with an acceptance that the Divine Realm is accessible to us, that the Divine Liturgy has a design and purpose to bring us closer to the Energy which surrounds us and at the same time is within us. Take some time on this first of 40 days, to accept the fullness and depth of the Divine. Accept that this journey is not one that is marked by steps, but one which is made up of connections, between your physical being and the spirit and emotions that define life. Put preconceptions to one side and open yourself to the wonder that is, the Divine Liturgy.If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file herePart of the expanding vision of the In His Shoes Mission. Visit our website for more information. www.InHisShoes.orgMusic by Torkom Saraydarian "A Touch of Heart" Lenten Recipe 1: "Cream" of Asparagus Soup Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesPlay/Stream on BluBrryListen via Stitcher Radio

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 38: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Our first parish was in a town called Cupertino about 50 miles south of San Francisco, an area that was developing its identity as Silicon Valley as we were developing our identity as a family. All of our children were born here. A pastor's family is always blessed with having so many aunts and uncles. The kind people of the parish and our family engaged in what I call reciprocal-adoption. It was a special time in our life, and very rich with “family” especially considering that both my and my wife's parents, brothers, sisters and their children all live well over 400 miles away in Southern California. My brother found every opportunity he could to come and visit with us and his nephews. He'd take the 1 hour airplane trip up the coast and we'd be on the receiving end to pick him up at San Jose Airport. Many times we'd get there a bit early and park our car at the end of the runway and watch the planes take off and land. We'd do it for the boys but I think it was obvious who got the most excitement out of these excursions. And then, when that big Southwest airplane rumbled the air above us and landed down aways, I'd point to it and tell the kids, “There's Uncle Haig! Let's go pick him up.” We'd drive over to the terminal in time to watch him come off the plane. After the weekend – or sometimes we'd be lucky and get him a bit longer – we'd take Uncle Haig to the airport. This time we'd walk him all the way to the gate (yes, this is a bit of pre-9/11 history), say our good-byes and watch the plane back out. San Jose Airport was perfect for plane watching. We'd get in the car and go to the end of the runway. As the plane took off from the tarmac to the sky we'd wave, “Bye Uncle Haig!” Now when the kids were very small, when we'd get home they'd be playing in the yard and their sharp senses would spot a plane high up in the sky. They would get so happy and excited as they pointed to the small object in the sky, “Look dad. Look mom. There's Uncle Haig.” In response to their cuteness, we'd play along with an assuring, “There he goes… wave to him…” At various times – perhaps days or even weeks later – between visits, our kids would spot a plane say with the same enthusiasm as moments after the flight took off, “There's Uncle Haig.” And with their little hands they'd wave to the plane high up in the sky. It was on one of his visits that my brother figured out that our children thought that he was in a perpetual state of flight! They would say goodbye to their uncle at the airport… He'd get on the plane… then the next time they'd see him he'd be coming off the plane. For all they knew, he was always in flight until the next time they'd see him, once again coming off the plane. Think of it in terms of a 3 or 4 year old. Without the knowledge that planes land elsewhere to deliver and pick up passengers, you would assume the flight has a circular route, beginning and ending with you. Why would you think otherwise? As we mature, our world view changes and our understanding of the world develops as we connect the dots between events, places, people and feelings. And soon we, as did my kids, have a new understanding. Uncle Haig got on a plane to come to see us… he lives somewhere else… he needs to return to that somewhere else… and we look forward to his next visit.* As much as you don't want your children to grow up with a skewed perception of reality, there is something to be said about the naiveté and innocence of their primal understandings of life. Francis Bacon has said, “Knowledge is power.” Now it remains for us to understand what that power is. As we are moving forward on this Road to Healing, we have matured in many ways. Through our meditations and prayers, we have connected dots between our illnesses, their causes and our control (or lack of control) over the variety of factors in the healing process. But understanding doesn't necessarily mean control over events. Rather, it means reconciliation and control over our self. Understanding that the plane doesn't stay up in the sky forever, doesn't mean we control the flight nor do we have the power to alter its properties. The power is in our ability to reconcile and take control of our self. Here is a prayer for this day of our journey. It is an ancient Armenian blessing, appealing to the Holy Cross along with a simple meditation: The Cross of Christ can be understood or misunderstood. Its understanding does not change reality, but brings reconciliation and control over our lives. Keep us in peace, O Christ our God, under the protection of your holy and precious cross; save us from our enemies, visible and invisible, and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow on the Road to Healing. *Disclaimer: Space and time were not altered, skewed or changed as a result this blog. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netPhoto: Plane Cloud by Sona Smith (2014)Get A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 37: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Hosanna is an exclamation of praise. It's used in the Bible to express adoration, praise and joy. It is also used as a name in the Armenian culture. I've met many Hosanna's through the years. Some have abbreviated their name and go by Osan or even Hosi! (I always like that derivative of the name – it just sounds fun, doesn't it? Hosi!) But the lady who sits in the 3rd pew of our church goes by the full name, Hosanna. She attends church religiously - as if there's any other way to attend! For her there isn't. She comes every Sunday with her husband of 60 years. Last year when they celebrated their 60th Anniversary, I made a point of congratulating them in church just before the sermon. As I announced this milestone to the congregation, this cute couple got up and took a modest bow and she shared a blessing with everyone – wishing that others could enjoy this many years. And then she shared her formula for success, “60 years and never a crossed look or an argument between us!” Yeah, I know, Dr. Phil and the lot will probably suggest some repressed or suppressed emotions. Actually, I have my own theories about how this marriage has lasted, but hey, at this point does it matter? Let's just say, thank God that they want to share the wealth with their blessing. Last Sunday Hosanna was missing from church. I have to confess that I didn't notice until after services when her children approached me and told me that she had gone to the hospital and wanted to receive Holy Communion. I didn't ask too many questions, but promised I'd visit that day. I took a portion of the reserved Sacrament and headed out. As life would have it I didn't make it to the hospital until late that evening. There was about a half-an-hour left before visiting hours were over. When Hosanna saw me, her beautiful and wrinkly face stretched out a large smile and a thousand notes of appreciation. Her joy was of the variety that I imagined Ed McMahon would see when he dropped off the Publisher's Clearing House check, back in the day. People just don't get this happy to see me, but Hosanna was letting everyone know – not only the lady in the bed next to her, but those in the beds in the rooms adjacent and across the hall from her. For a few moments I thought the nurses might come by to see what was going. To this lady who was born in Syria, moved to Beirut, raised children, fled wars in the Middle East, survived various difficulties and arrived to a safe haven in America, getting some nerves, bones and muscles repaired was nothing to complain about. Her priest had come to visit her and was delivering the Blessed Sacrament – an opportunity to communicate on an intimate level with her Lord and God. We talked the good part of the half hour I was with her. She was incredibly worried that I wasn't comfortable, asking the nurse several times to adjust the pillows on my chair. After I read the prayer of confession and offered her the Holy Communion she was relieved. She knew better days were ahead of her. I could end this story by saying that she received a blessing, but that's far from where this story ends. Sunday was a long day, filled with many challenges, but as I left the hospital room I realized I was touched and healed that night. In life we are searching for meaning and purpose. As a priest, dealing with intangible realities such as faith, hope and love, you sometimes (more often than not for me) question the value of your work and ministry. Unlike other work, the ministry doesn't provide immediate results – whether it's praying for a sick person, someone in rehab, a divorced couple or working for justice in war-torn lands, on the streets of Los Angeles or in the Church itself. There are many times of doubt. Hosanna gave me a blessing. She filled my life with purpose and a renewed spirit. If you look at your life, you will find that what you do and what you live are filled with blessings. Remember faith, hope and love may not provide immediate results, but that doesn't discount their power. You just need to do what you do and leave the rest to God. As I left her side I knew she was healed. There was no doubt in my mind, because I know there was no doubt in her mind. I was healed. There was no doubt in my mind and most probably she never imagined that her priest was hurting that night. That's the power of a blessing and love. At the door way, I looked back and said, “I'll see you Sunday in Church.” She responded, “Of course, it's my name day!” This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Our Lenten Journey will be coming to an end. Hosanna. It's the day Christ came into Jerusalem. It's the day Christ comes into the Holiest Centers of our Lives and we say Hosanna. A message of praise, adoration and joy. This is Fr. Vazken, looking forward to walking on the Road to Healing again with you tomorrow. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 34: Play Now: Walk through a cemetery and you're sure to see a variety of headstones.Different epitaphs describe the departed individual and/or a philosophy of life. On most headstones you'll find the name of the deceased person followed by two dates – the year of birth and the year of death. Between the two dates is what I call the “time dash.” This is a small line that denotes the time between birth and death. The dash is usually the same size, whether it points to a life measured by months or one measured by decades. Illness and disease remind us of our mortality, that is they remind us that the dash has to have some meaning. Conversely, when the dash is meaningful, illness and disease do not seem to matter.Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier opens his spiritual autobiography with a scene that is all too familiar. He writes:It's late at night as I lie in bed in the blue glow of the television set. I have the clicker in my hand, the remote control, and I go from 1 to 97, scrolling through the channels. I find nothing that warrants my attention, nothing that amuses me, so I scroll up again, channel by channel, from bottom to top. But already I've given it the honor of going from 1 to 97, and already I've found nothing. The vast, sophisticated technology and … nothing. It's given me not one smidgeon of pleasure. It's informed me of nothing beyond my own ignorance and my own frailties.But then I have the audacity to go up again! And what do I find? Nothing, of course. So at last, filled with loathing and self-disgust, I punch the damn TV off and throw the clicker across the room, muttering to myself, “What am I doing with my time?”*This is the question that becomes more pronounced when illness and disease hit us. Surely, the scenario in which Poitier finds himself is another type of disease.When things are going well, we forgot that our time on this planet and in this life is limited. Time is the most precious of all commodities. We know this. We say it enough, with witty words like, “Life is too short…” But when it comes down to it, we take our time for granted. As we move on our own spiritual journey and on the Road to healing, the question “What am I doing with my time?” is central to our wellbeing. There are many ways to answer this question. It could be descriptive of time-spent, such as, “I am scanning through 97 channels,” or it can be as profoundly simple as “I am living.”Interestingly enough, you don't have to give an accounting of this question to anyone but yourself. To who else does it matter? You know if you're wasting, squandering, exploiting, enjoying or living the life you have. And no one else can place a value or make a judgment call on your use of time. Ultimately, you are responsible for the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years of your life. They will make up the content of the time-dash one day. You are on the Road to Healing. You, if anyone, know the value of time. Part of the 40-day Lenten Journey is to find the strength and courage to implement the discoveries you've made during this time, throughout the rest of the year. That is, the 40 days of Lent are to strengthen the 325 other days in the year, and ultimately to make the life changes you need to be and live the healthy life you were intended to live.Today's prayer is an adaption that I have made to St. Nersess Shnorhali's prayer of the 9th hour. It's about being. Let us pray,Lord, bless me with the holiness to open my eyes to the beauty in the world, my ears to hear the songs in the air, my mouth so that I may speak out for righteousness, my heart so that it may think of peace, my hands so that I may work for justice, my feet so that I may walk in the paths of healing, and direct me in your commandments. Have mercy on all your creation. Amen.This is Fr. Vazken, looking forward to continuing the Road to Healing with you tomorrow.* From “The Meaure of a Man: A spiritual autobiography” by Sidney Poitier, 2000, Harper San FranciscoProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for http://epostle.netPhoto – Guitar Magic (c) 2002 Fr. Vazken MovsesianGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 33: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Dan Kujurian liked flashy cars and I liked looking out for his cars. Now that I think of it, it was the flash that I liked. I was a kid; flash and glitter were exciting. Come to think of it, I only knew he had cool cars, but never saw him drive any of them. Dan was neither glittery nor exciting. He was actually a very dull guy, but he loved his cars… I guess. Dan had a brand new Chevy Corvette Sting Ray. The year was 1963 and this car was flash, glitter and excitement. You looked at it and you knew it moved. I remember the first time I saw this car it looked like the car was cutting through space with its sharp front end. The lights would pop up from the hood, and as a 7 year old kid with a wonder for how things worked, my imponderable was whether the lights went off when they were folded under. (Yes, just another version of the refrigerator light imponderable.) Dan had some business to discuss with my dad one day and came over our house. When the time came for him to leave, I got excited to go out to get a look – and maybe a drive – in his car. My dad and I walked him out the house. Where was his car? Not on our block. He walked down the street and then turned the corner. My dad said good-bye to him there. I felt short-changed. “Aren't we going to walk to his car with him? You know he has a Sting Ray!” “He parked over in the LACC parking lot,” said my dad. He knew something that I was going to find out that night. The LACC parking lot was three blocks away. It was night and the parking lot was sparsely populated with cars. As he walked away from us my dad told me the Dan Kujurian secret for keeping his car clean, pristine and unscratched: He parks far away and in remote areas. That's it. This little secret kept his car looking like new. Everywhere he would go, he'd park far and away, sometimes walking up to a mile to avoid having anyone get close to his vehicle. Now my dad had an aversion to gossip, but that day he told me that Dan had recently made his date walk and walk to the church social one night because he didn't want to park the car close to others cars in the church parking lot. I always remember the night that I discovered the Dan Kujurian secret. Whenever I've been scared to risk, I've thought about that beautiful Sting Ray. It was clean and without blemish, but it was never driven and never served its purpose. It never exploited its full potential. And Dan? Well, he walked everywhere? I don't think he really enjoyed that car. Life has purpose and meaning. Healing means we are re-aligned with the purpose and meaning of life. Living life means you have to engage in it at an intimate level. You can't park far way. Yes, there is a risk that you'll get scratched and hit, you may get hurt, but think of this: you'll be sitting in the driver's seat and the ride will be a fun one. Tennyson's words, “Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all,” are the words of our meditation today. As you roll through this junction on the Road to Healing, think of opportunities that you've missed because you have been scared to risk the hurt. Think of the enjoyment you've passed up because you've parked too far away from life. And now think of the new opportunities in front of you – to heal, to be well, to understand, to stand, to play, to laugh. Courage is required to park close to the action, and with a bit of faith, the drive is fun, fulfilling and filled with joy. Let's park close by and tomorrow we can continue on the Road to Healing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netPhoto – 1963 Corvette http://gmauthority.comGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 32: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) In the healing process, anxiety complicates matter. Usually anxiety is looked upon as the by-product of our illness, that is, because of our illness or strained relationships, we are stressed and worried about the problem and ultimately the solution. Will I get better? Can we find reconciliation? Am I done with my habits or will they return? Will the disease return? Will it kill me? Anxiety is quantifiable, that is, it can be measured. Arguably, certain levels of anxiety can even be beneficial for our own safety. For instance, walking through on the street at night, with heart-beat racing, our senses are alerted to dangers and we can exercise extra caution. Or, when we hear of someone else's diagnosis we might project that same illness on ourselves. The anxiety is not healthy in a large dose, but in a small dose it might make us aware of our frailties causing us to change our habits, diets or lifestyle. Many diets and smoking cessation programs have been started because of the illness of a friend or loved one. Anxiety in large levels is dangerous and here's why: It prevents us from taking risks! What? Isn't that a good thing? Why should we want to take risks in the first place? As you stand on the edge of the building, on the sill, to see if jumping off will hurt or not, anxiety and stress kick in preventing you from risking your life. Getting on a plane to attend a business seminar or visit your Aunty Margaret is also risky, but it's calculated in favor of reaching your destination without harm. So, while you may get anxiety-induced sweaty palms or jitters during the takeoff, you take the trip nonetheless. But if the anxiety level was so great that you walked away, or off the plane, that would be harmful to your general welfare. Life is a calculated risk. Too many times I have witnessed people who are so scared of risking that they do not move forward. That fear – being scared – is a negative anxiety. I'm not discounting the power of anxiety; rather I'm challenging its influence in your life. Life, by definition, is about living. Living means moving forward. When you move forward with your life you're taking some calculated risks. You may fall down. You may trip. And, yes, you may actually make it to your destination! Some of the greatest tragedies that I've seen in my life have involved people who are so scared that they refuse to take a risk for fear of failure. Yes, there is failure and there is success. They are two sides of the same coin. In the coin-toss of life, there is a chance that the coin will come up Failure, but think of this: Failure is much heavier than Success. Therefore, there's a better chance that it will land DOWN on Failure and UP on Success! There are medications that control anxiety, but we are already deep on the Road to Healing. We've been through some training over the course of the last few weeks and we're ready to try out some of our learned experiences against anxiety. Prayer and meditation are important. Stay focused. Let us meditate on Christ's words, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.” What are the things you are most anxious about? Illness? Troubles? Relationships? Addictions? All of these? None of these? What can you do by worrying about them? Does your worrying prevent you from moving forward with your life? Now ponder the worst-case scenario… What will happen if I take a step forward? What is the worst case scenario? Can I survive it? You've survived thus far. Life has ups and downs and some of the downs are painful, but the ups are tremendously pleasant. Look forward and be prepared to continue on this journey tomorrow. This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me tomorrow on the Road to Healing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 31: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Dr. K is a physician and an artist, that is, he approaches his medical practice as an art. He explained this distinction to a group of high school students he was mentoring. When I first opened the Youth Ministries Center in Glendale, Dr. K approached me with an offer: If I brought him students, he would mentor them, help them as they selected their career paths as well as assist them if they applied to med school. I went with the first group of kids and listened in as Dr. K's passion for medicine and healing was transferred to this group of student. He spoke as an artist practicing the medical arts, treating and caring for the entire body as well as the human condition. My relationship with Dr. K continued for several years. I was intrigued by his approach to the healing arts. One day he invited me to join him on the rounds at a Free Clinic he had set up in Ventura County. Many migrant farm workers are attracted to California's Central Coast. Dr. K attracted a few health care professionals and volunteers to tend to the needs of the needy at a make-shift clinic operating out of the social hall at a local church in Thousand Oaks, California. We drove there together giving me a chance to hear his understanding of the human condition, caring, compassion and healing. It is one thing to hear and another to experience. So that night he allowed me to tail him, as he went from patient to patient, checking blood pressure, temperature and doing what he does best: listening, caring and offering a path to healing. From the unique vantage point I was offered, I witness an artist in action. But in particular I remember vividly this artist's brush strokes – as he painted a picture of warmth and design in the life of Mrs. Martinez, the next patient we would visit. Mrs. Martinez was waiting for Dr. K and when we walked in you could tell she was relieved. Dr. K addressed her by name and in her gesture I could tell he was a familiar face to her. Dr. K asked her how she was doing and began rubbing her back as she responded. She spoke and told her story. He rubbed her back and put her at ease. It was a gentle rub, in a circular motion, offered as a therapeutic massage without the deep kneading action. She spoke and spoke. He rubbed and rubbed. The “exam” lasted 20 minutes. At the end, she thanked the doctor. He told her that everything would be fine. As we left the room, it occurred to me that there was no specific medical trauma that was diagnosed and no medical service – pills, shots, therapy – that took place or offered. At least to this untrained eye, I couldn't diagnosis the diagnosis. I asked Dr. K, “What was that all about? What was she in for?” “She's lonely. Her life is absent of touch.” He said this in a most gentle voice. “She comes in once a month. She talks. This 20 minutes is her human contact, the touch and the feel that she needs to feel good.” We talked and shared even more that night about Mrs. Martinez as well as some of the other patients I observed. But the image of a lonely woman, warming up and coming to life because of a simple touch has never faded from my memory. Touching and feeling is essential and necessary to human life. We say, life is to be celebrated! How can we celebrate alone? Are we not called to interact, engage and touch one another – spiritually, emotionally and physically? Today's mediation is a simple one of reaching out and touching. Take an extra moment to feel the touches in your day today – the handshakes, the embraces, the kisses, as well as the emotional and spiritual touches. When a poem or prayer moves you to tears or goose bumps, what are those physical manifestation of our inner soul all about? How are they connected and how can they touch us to find complete healing? I look forward to continuing on this journey with you again tomorrow. (Note: From that original group of students I took to meet Dr. K, the first student graduated med school last year. She promises to be another artist of the healing arts.) Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 30: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) “Fire! The house across the street is on fire! Quick come and look out the window.” Young Anna ran from her bedroom to the front room of the house and stared out into the street. No smoke, no flames. And then, in a devilish manner her father proclaimed, “April Fools!”It was a dirty trick to play on a young kid, especially my mother. But all is fair in love, in war and on April Fools' Day. My mother remembers that prank to this day. And though she might have missed a heart beat on that day, now, 70 years later, she tells the story of the prank with a big smile on her face. In fact, it's now become part of the family folklore to play the “Grandpa April Fools' Prank” on the First. April Fools is a lighthearted “feast.” Obviously, there's no holiday or national mandate to celebrate it, but in many cultures people stop to have a mischievous go at fooling people. In fact, companies even get into the spirit with pranks that are sometimes so believable they attract a following. For instance, in 1998 Burger King published a full page ad in USA Today announcing a new item on their menu: The Left-Handed Whopper. They claimed it was designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. The twist? The burger included all the same ingredients as the original Whopper but the condiments were rotated 180 degrees! Thousands of customers went into restaurants to request the new sandwich, while many others requested the “right handed” version! As a kid, when I thought of my grandfather playing the fire-trick on my mom as well as his entire family, I never really understood how could a grown man do this? After all, this was grandpa and pranks are for kids. But as I grew older, I was more intrigued that he engaged in this type of humor considering he was a genocide survivor. Only 20 years earlier, he had seen the devastation of his country, family and home. He built a new life on the ashes of devastation, hardship and despair. And yet… when it came time to play, he could play with the best. He smiled and laughed. As a kid, I remember his contagious laugh as I sat in his lap and watched the 3 Stooges on TV. Humor is so important to a healthy lifestyle and a necessary ingredient to healing. Sometimes our hardships are so great that we think we may never laugh or smile again. I think of the generations which witnessed the most absurd and heinous of all crimes, genocide, and yet they are able to rebound with a smile and a laugh. In that humor they found a new beginning – the possibility to hope and dream again. Children come into this world believing and hoping. It is for this reason they smile and laugh. Today is the day to connect to that primal hope and faith. Don't look too far, it's inside of you. No matter how bad things get, find some time to smile and laugh. And if you can, laugh out loud! Today's mediation is on humor. Think of anything that makes you smile or makes you laugh. If it's difficult, close your eyes and revert to a good time in your life. Perhaps you can remember the first time you met your child and tears came down your face because of joy! Think of a play or a movie, let it be primitively absurd, slapstick, or sophisticatedly jocular, witty. Let it induce a smile on your face. Now hold it right there. Hold the thought and your smile. Did you feel that? For that moment, as brief as it was, nothing else really mattered. Now understand that the change was your doing. You decided and you brought about an end to your pain and a joy to your heart. This is Fr. Vazken, assuring you that today's message was not an April Fools' joke, and to be certain, join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 29: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) It was only a few weeks ago that we began our Lenten Journey. We began in a hospital room, listening to the news describe a faith-healer who had lost his life to a poisonous snake. It wasn't supposed to happen like that. His prayers were for a healing and yet he died. Does God hear our prayers? It is a common question. What prompts us to ask this question is that our wishes – our requests – have not been answered to our liking. That is, we pray to God with certain expectations and when we don't receive the answer we were hoping for, we believe that our prayers are not being heard. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus speaks about prayer in this manner, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases … for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” If this is the case, then there is something wrong in our definition of a prayer. Traditionally we've been told that prayer is a conversation with God. Conversation implies speaking and listening. There is no such thing as a one-way conversation. You give and receive. But Jesus says that our Father knows what our wants are before we ask! Therefore, there is another function to prayer and that is that it is also a prayer with the self! God knows our wants and our needs, but many times we do not know them! As strange as that sounds, it's true. Prayer means speaking and listening and in listening the inner self is awakened to its needs. During this Road to Healing, we've been engaged in prayer and meditation. The reason for this practice is so that our inner self is tuned into its needs and its growth. Think of the hundreds and thousands of radio signals that are travelling through the airwaves right now – some are captured by your radio and played through speakers, others are captured by your phone, your neighbor's phone, your friend's phone and heard in the earpiece. Other signals are heard on the police band or on airplane frequency. So when you tune-in a radio to a certain frequency, what you're really doing is tuning-out all the other frequencies. Imagine what a mess it would be if a radio didn't have a dial and picked up every radio wave that was traveling through the air! It would be chaotic! In the same manner, when we tune-in to our needs and our desires, we're really filtering-out all the things that are not our concern, that are not pertinent to our own situation. To use our healing metaphor, if you go into a hospital to have your right leg operated on, you certainly don't expect the surgeon to cut up your left leg! If you have a tummy-ache, you don't need to look at remedies for itchy-scalp. When your marriage is on the rocks, X-raying your teeth is unnecessary. In other words, our prayer life is not about telling God what our needs are – but telling our self that our remedy is on a frequency that we need to tune-in to and hear. The healing that we are looking for is from within and without. This week we begin a new cycle on this Road. Be prepared. Let us pray, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. Amen. This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join me again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing.  Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netPhoto: Sequoia Flower (c)2002 Fr. Vazken MovsesianGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 26: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Ever since he was a kid he loved the sea. Garry grew up in a small town over the hill from the ocean. The fog would roll in on the summer mornings, stirring his imagination to some of the most picturesque shores in the South Sea. His family was of modest means; they lived well, but little left to indulge in some of the luxuries of life. He never verbalized it, but everyone knew, Garry wanted to be on a boat. Not a small boat, but something that he could take out and ride to the places he dreamed about. So it wasn't a surprise to anyone when on his 26th birthday he withdrew his entire savings and a small loan to purchase a 2008 Carver Voyager with twin Volvo D9 diesel engines. His dream had come true. He had worked hard for this yacht and he knew he would enjoy all 52 feet of this vessel. He was going to explore, play, see, find and experience his love of the sea from the deck of his own ship. This was his. He had worked hard since graduating high school, sometimes working double shifts to get the money to buy this yacht. He knew all the businesses in the marina and was on a first-name basis with all the owners. The boat owners were all sincerely happy to hear Garry was making this dream come true. He had tried once before to purchase a boat, but it was small and he knew it was for the best that the financing didn't work on that deal. This was the ship he would now enjoy. And who knows where it would lead him? A young man, with the sea in his hair, he might even find the love of his life to cruise the seas together. He found a space in the harbor over the hill where he would park his yacht while in town. He had two large chains that he had actually acquired years before the boat. The chains kept his ambition before his mind. He'd look at the chains whenever he'd get discouraged and remember that he was working for a reason – to have this boat. Each chain was made of the highest test materials. They were definitely overkill; they could have held the Queen Mary at bay. But for Garry's purposes, strong they were, but they weren't long enough to tie the ship to the dock. He took the chains over to his friend Mike who welded them together, making a large chain to be used to tie the boat to the dock and to go down with the anchor while parked at sea. Garry was ready to set sail in a week. Once his affairs were in order the open horizon was where he was headed. But his dream would soon be shattered when on the first night he had parked his boat, the chain broke causing this massive yacht to float toward the breakwater, and somehow make it to the edge of the harbor and be kicked out to sea. It was at the dawn of the next day that they discovered the wreckage of the boat, out on the rocks of a nearby island. Back in the harbor the chain was fastened to the dock, but broken at the point of the weld. It was a faulty job. There is a saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Dreams, with all good intentions, can be quickly shattered and lost when that weakest link is broken. Much like Garry's story, our lives are filled with details, some very minute and precise, but each of those details depends on the health and strength of the other details. We look for healing of the body or the soul, but equally important are our “chains” – those support and structures in our lives that keep us at bay. Those could be things, they could be people, they could be relationships, they are definitely our wellbeing. We are only as strong as our weakest link. It's necessary to not let ambition rule our actions, where we miss the minute details and allow the chain to break. Let us pay attention to the details of the minute matters, those links that hold us in place and hold us together. Ask yourself, in my life where are my strong links and where is the weakest link? People? Places? Things? What would I lose if that weak link should snap? When we first started this journey, we might have answered this question by pointing to our illness or disease as the weakest link in our system. I believe today we may find other places to look. We pray the prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali, O Christ, the guardian of all, let Your Right Hand guard and shelter me by day and by night, while at home and while away, while sleeping and while awake, that I may never fall. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen. This is Fr. Vazken looking forward to continuing the Road to Healing with you tomorrow. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry