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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

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

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 25: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Yesterday we had a preliminary dose of one of St. Gregory of Narek's prayer. It might have gone misunderstood had we not been on the journey for over three weeks when we encountered it. The meditation was intended to bring us to a new platform today, where the ego is slighted as a prerequisite to healing. The struggle we have with our ego is a difficult one. On the first hand, we are here, on this journey, precisely because of the ego. That is, we hurt. We have had several life experiences that have contributed to our pain and suffering. As we inspect and examine ourselves and the underlying reasons for our illness, addictions, broken relationships or disease, we find our ego is tightly and intricately intertwined with our ails. Who knows you better than anyone else on this planet? Better than your mother, better than your father? Better than your spouse, sister or brother? Better than your lover or your best friend? Who knows you better than anyone else? You do. Sure, you have close friends, maybe even a soul-mate, but only you know all of your ambitions, your desires, your inner struggles and feelings. Therefore, responsibility for your welfare ultimately resides with you. Pure and simple. But in this thought process, it's very easy to convince yourself that that is all that matters. When we read a prayer or mediation such as the works of Narekatsi, we immediately understand that there is something greater than the self in the life process. That is, the ego is diminished in size and capacity when we acknowledge something greater than the self. There are many ways of understanding that greater-than-self entity. It can be called the Truth, the Universe, the All, the Force or Power, Father, Mother, God or very simply Love. In all cases, in acknowledging the greater-than-self we understand that our healing, and ultimately our health, is a combination of body and soul, heaven and earth, self and God. Praising and praying are one way of acknowledging the greater presence and letting the ego have a break. Let us pray a prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali, Searcher of secrets, I have sinned against You willingly and unwillingly, knowingly and unknowingly, grant me —a great sinner— forgiveness, for since I was born of the holy font until this day I have sinned before You, by my senses, and by all the members of my body. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen. Think of this prayer, meditate on the words and the thought of asking someone for something as eloquent, as beautiful, as simple and as great as forgiveness. Where does your ego stand in this relationship? This is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join us 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 24: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Yesterday I left you with verses from a prayer by St. Gregory of Narek. Narekatsi, as he is called, was monk of the Church at the turn of the first millennium. The monastery of Narek was near Lake Van, in one of the most scenic and serene areas surrounding the holy Mt. Ararat. He was a mystic, a monk, a priest, a poet and a man. He wrote prayers and lead mediations, focusing on the plight of humanity as understood through his suffering, and found a healing joy by humbling himself in the awesome presence of God. Narekatsi's prayers are known to have healing powers. Next to the Gospels, Narekatsi's writings are the most revered by the Armenian people and have been translated into several languages. I wish to continue today on our Road to Healing with another excerpt from the saint's sacred poetry. The prayer is recited within the Church with an introductory statement, “From the depth of my heart, a conversation with God.” As I read these lines today meditate not only on the words, but on a possible conversation you would have with the Creator, with Infinite Love. What might that conversation contain? Would it be a shopping list of spiritual ointments and sanctified medicines? Or something else? If your conversation with God begins from your heart, there is only one way it can travel. Give yourself a chance to listen, absorb and then engage in that conversation yourself. From St. Gregory of Narek, Lord, my Lord, grantor of gifts, root of goodness, ruler of all equally, creator of all from nothing, glorified, awesome, awe inspiring, beyond understanding, dreadful, mighty, stern, unbearable, unapproachable, incomprehensible, inconceivable, ineffable, invisible, unexaminable, untouchable, unsearchable, without beginning, outside of time, unclouded knowledge, bold vision, true being, exalted and humble, blessed existence, shadowless dawn, ray shining upon all, light professing to all, unwavering assurance, undisturbable calm, indelible seal, infinite image, witnessed name, taste of sweetness, cup of bliss, soul-nourishing bread, love in dark exile, unambiguous promise, covering most desirable, garment most protective, cloak most worthy, ornament most glorious, great help, trustworthy refuge, undiminishing grace, inexhaustible treasure, pure rain, glittering dew, universal cure, free healing, health restored, sublime spur, undeceiving call, good news for all, king who lifts up the slave, defender who loves the poor, giver of endless wealth, safe harbor, unyielding command, hope without bounds, long in vision, unsparing in generosity, just right hand that dispenses to all, impartial eye, voice of comfort, consoling tidings, harbinger of bliss, living name, finger of foresight, unstumbling start, sincere course, life-giving will, candid advice, unenvying honor, broad possibility, narrow restriction, track without trace, path without markers, image indescribable, quantity immeasurable, model inimitable, unparalleled compassion, inexhaustible mercy, humility celebrated, kiss of salvation. And more than these worthy epithets, dedicated to your Godliness, you who are blessed, praised, lauded, preached, evangelized, proclaimed, exalted, recounted, sought with unflagging desire, whatever your streams of sweetness bring us, shall be illustrated in these image-filled psalms, showing you joyful in my salvation, blessed Lord, as if a ravenous hunger had been relieved by a sumptuous feast, for you are glorified not because of some vain song of mine, but because you may accept these modest prayers as justification for granting your great salvation. This is Fr. Vazken, inviting you to join us tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing. Narekatsi translation by Thomas J. Samuelian Visit http://www.stgregoryofnarek.am/ to learn more. 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 23: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) A large envelope arrived in the mail yesterday. It was marked with the writing of a child. It was addressed to “Hopar,” an endearing term for uncle, from my six-year-old nephew Vartan. He was excited to share his lesson about Martin Luther King, Jr. with me. On a large card made out of construction paper, was his rendition of the Civil Rights Leader along with his narrative, written with thick marker pens. At the bottom of the note, he had two marking. They had nothing to do with the story of King, but everything to do with our journey. They were combination of lines – a vertical and horizontal line drawn perpendicular to one another, and two lines shooting out of the cross-point at 45 degree angles on each side. Underneath the symbol was written, “Wood symbol in Chinese.” Next to this figure was two of the same figure with the inscription, “Forest in Chinese.” The Chinese logograms appeared as a bonus message on my nephew's letter, but their arrival on this day of our Journey – the day after we took our eyes off of the horizon – was more than a fluke. It is the caveat to yesterday's message and the theme for today: Can't see the forest for the trees. Yesterday we moved our attention from the abstract and unseen reality beyond the horizon to the road below our feet, to the immediate functions of life. In so doing it might be easy to concentrate so much on the little things that we fail to notice, and subsequently we fail to understand, the intertwining of all of life's realities. We can't see the forest for the trees. When we are too close to a situation we need to step back and get a better perspective. It is easy to be over obsessed and consumed with our life-situations, especially if they are troubling and causing us hardship. Illness and disease are overwhelming, as are love-lost and hurtful-pasts. It is even comforting to bask in misery because it's close by and familiar. Meanwhile, the possibility of the unknown – the healing – and the risk involved to get there can be frightening. It means risking and opening ourselves to vulnerability. With this narrow outlook, we miss opportunities to connect with other life experiences and people to build the bigger reality of life. The happy medium is between our steps below our feet and the horizon in the distance. It's there that healing becomes possible as we move from self-absorption to self-respect. We understand the possibilities within our reach. If you follow the road signs on the highway you're pretty much assured to get in close proximity of your destination, give or take a few addresses, blocks or miles. On this journey we've been twisting and turning in a rather adventurous spirit. So I doubt that the direction we received today, from the “hands of babes” was purely chance. When you find synchronicity with the signs, roads and compass directions as we have today, it becomes more of a confirmation of being on the right path and for us, a confirmation that healing is in front of us. We reach to St. Gregory of Narek (Narekatsi) for today's prayer and meditation. This is merely an excerpt from a longer proclamation for healing. Narekatsi's words are overwhelming as a forest, yet each word expresses the beauty and wonder of the simple tree. Meditate on the words, mediate on the whole: Lord, my Lord, grantor of gifts, root of goodness, ruler of all equally, creator of all from nothing, glorified, awesome, awe inspiring, beyond understanding…blessed existence, shadowless dawn, ray shining upon all, light professing to all, unwavering assurance, undisturbable calm, taste of sweetness, cup of bliss, love in dark exile, great help, trustworthy refuge, undiminishing grace, inexhaustible treasure, pure rain, glittering dew, universal cure, free healing, health restored, sublime spur, defender who loves the poor, unparalleled compassion, inexhaustible mercy, humility celebrated, kiss of salvation. We will continue on this road tomorrow, until then this is Fr. Vazken inviting you to join us then, on this Lenten Journey. 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 22: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) March 24 – “On a clear day you can see forever” is the title of a book and a song. This is a conditional statement, that is, the depth of vision is dependent on the clarity of the day. As we travel on this 22nd day of our journey we can look out fairly far in the distance, in fact we see the horizon and our imagination can take us beyond it. How necessary is to know what lies beyond the horizon? How necessary is the concept of forever? Far more important is the concept of clarity, the condition which makes forever possible. What exists at the horizon or beyond it is of no use for us today. We are traveling forward and therefore the placement of the horizon changes every day. A journey is a celebration of newness. It's tempting to stretch our glance out to the horizon, but when we do that we miss the beauty of the flowers in the foreground. Every day we have opportunities to find new adventure. If we take those opportunities, then the horizon is expanded. If we stay still, the horizon remains the same. On a clear day you can see forever, and it is tempting to look out far, especially if clarity is there. But illness itself (remember we're talking about physical and emotional) means that there is little or no clarity. The clouds are near and low. The atmosphere is foggy and perhaps smoggy as well. Today, the horizon isn't visible, but even with our vision impaired we're finding ways to enjoy the opportunities that are presented. We have the ability to look close by and become more concerned with issues that are today. Reaching for distant horizons or long-term goals can have side effects that are not conducive to the process of healing. Doing so prevents us from observing the issues that are under our immediate control and detour us from new avenues with new potentials. Living for the day curbs ambition and allows for healthier recovery, because we see the obstacles directly in front of us. Channel the imagination to the point you're at now, and see how the position of the horizon changes. Overcome the challenges of the day and jump the hurdles before you and you will rise above the clouds so that you can see forever. It's not the forever you thought it was. Here is today's meditation and prayer by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. It challenges us to take control of the immediate and trust for things in the future. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful worldas it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things rightif I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with HimForever in the next. Amen. This is Fr. Vazken, inviting you to join us 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 21: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Since returning home after surgery, I have been using our living room space as the headquarters for my program of recovery. It is there that I meet with friends and family and practice the daily rituals of prayer and meditation. Thoughts are introduced and processed here, some forever lost, while others hit me so profoundly, that they become prescriptions scribbled on pads of electrons. I am surrounded by two icons. On the Northern wall is an icon of the Resurrection of Christ and on the Southern side, against the window is a depiction of the Medicine Buddha. My dear friend Gregory Beylerian is the artist who created these images. By sitting between them, I am literally between North and South and spiritually between East & West. (I use these terms in the broad sense; for me, it's a question of being between East and further East.) Positioning myself here is part of my personal journey of healing. The Medicine Buddha, sometimes referred to as the Healing Buddha, is the granter of perfect health, and in that perfect health we understand body and soul, for the Medicine Buddha light is one that leads to enlightenment. The image is painted in a dark deep blue. The indigo color is associated with the brow chakra (this is one of the centers of spiritual power in the body) – where we find discernment, clarity, vision and seeing beyond illusion. So where are we today? Are we at the midpoint of our journey where East meets West? I sit between North and South, I find a fusion of East and West. You'll find that our Road to Healing has been one of discernment, to find clarity, vision and focus beyond the illusion. Because beyond our ills, problems, addictions, incompatibilities, misunderstandings and failures, there is the pure self that has the potential of complete healing. Yesterday we met the Medicine Buddha when we heard the question, “Which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven? Or to say rise and walk?” Is this not the hand off between the physical and the spiritual? Jesus, in the Parable of the Dishonest Steward, reminds us that the children of this existence are, in this generation, wiser than the children of light. Today is not only a meeting of East and West, it's the meeting of Heaven and Earth. Today we find that we are beings of physical and spiritual certainty and the completeness of our life is enjoyed only in the harmony between the two. Heaven and Earth meet as a prototype of our body and soul meeting, leading us to complete renewal and peace. I am surrounded by two icons. On one side of me the Medicine Buddha, extends his arm and hand toward the holy Earth while on my other side the Christ extends his hand up to heaven, I realize my place between them is unique. I have an opportunity as no other in time, to open myself to the healing that envelopes me, coming from all sides, from above and below, from within and without. We pray a simple prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali: I plead to you, loving Lord, heal me. Be life in my death. Be light in my darknessTake away my pain. Amen. This is Fr. Vazken looking forward to meeting with you again tomorrow as we continue on this Road to Healing. Images: Medicine Buddha & Rise! by Gregory BeylerianProduced 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 20: FitPlay Now: She was very sincere in her asking. She didn't want to argue with him, but she knew she was in theright. After all, she was well learned, knowledgeable of the latest trends, well-read and connected to daily news. So she was rather taken aback when her doctor adamantly refused her request. After all she had heard that a glass of red wine and dark chocolate were good for the heart. She just wanted to hear it come from his mouth, if it did it would then qualify as a prescription for her. But her request was met with an emphatic “No!” by the one she called physician.“But I heard it's supposed to be good for the heart.”“Maybe so,” replied the doctor, “But it's not good for your heart.”She wasn't going to give up without a battle. “How about just a little; I heard it Dr. Oz talk about it on his show.” She was pulling out all the guns – shooting heavy now.“There are a lot of things that can be good in different ways, but considering your history with heart disease and your physical condition now, you cannot eat chocolate and you cannot drink wine.”Given our options and choices today and the volume and speed at which information flows, we all have a little knowledge about a large variety of subjects. The old saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” can be revised today, “Informed about all, expert of none.” Obviously, it's not a bad place to be in life – to know a bit about everything. But, if we mistake information for knowledge, we increase our vulnerability and can end up believing in things that are insignificant, or even harmful to our general well-being.Today we are at the mid-point of our journey. On this 20th day, we learn that one-size does not fit all. We are all alike in that we on a journey toward healing; we are all different by virtue of our uniqueness and individuality. In our individuality we come to realize that yes, we can be an expert in one area for sure – our self. There is no one who knows your self the way you do! Today on this hump day, with half of the journey behind us and a half in front of us, let us understand our uniqueness and celebrate our individuality. The lessons thus far have been to limber us up so that we can be open and raw, so that we can be masters of our own lives. Our healing is dependent on many factors. Healing will be complete for each of us according to a prescription written uniquely to our weight, height, psychological and physical condition, emotional and spiritual state, unique to the color of our eyes, the swirls of our fingerprints, the pace of our walk. In other words, be thankful that one size does not fit all.I look forward to continuing the second half of the journey with you tomorrow, on this 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 18: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) There would soon be nothing to celebrate on Cinco de Mayo. It was in the year 2000 on May 5 that a young man named Raul Aguirre died outside his High School. In an effort to break-up a gang-related scuffle, Raul got caught in the mix and a knife meant for another boy killed him instead. Raul was not a gang member. He was a student. He was only 17 years old. All this took place directly across the street from the church where I serve as Pastor in Glendale, California. Our church had not yet opened in 2000 and so, I came to know Raul from the stories I heard, but more so from a demonstration of compassion, love and forgiveness offered by his mother, Leticia Aguirre. On that day, Raul was late coming home from school. The phone rang and she received the first news that her son had been hurt in a fight. Only three hours later, Raul died on an operating table. Mrs. Aguirre recounted, “That moment was the most horrible in my life…. I felt that I would die, but the worst is that I didn't die…”When we opened our Armenian Church and youth ministry center in 2003, the community was very much talking about this murder. The trial was underway. The minor tensions that existed between the Armenian and Latino communities were even more pronounced by some of the students at the school. The boys who killed Raul were Armenian. Day after grueling day of testimony Mrs. Aguirre attended the trial of her boy's killers. And then the unexpected happened, at least it was unexpected for me. In fact, so much so, that I invited her to come and speak at our church – to explain this unexpected event – to a sanctuary filled with Armenian women, men, mothers, fathers and children. She spoke in Spanish, we translated in English and Armenian, and everyone – yes, everyone – heard the story in a language called Love. “I wanted justice to be done,” said Mrs. Aguirre. “In court I saw the mothers of the gang members kissing crosses and praying to God to forgive their sons and I thought how difficult this must be for God.” But when Rafael Gevorgyan, one of three gang members being tried begged for Mrs. Aguirre's forgiveness on the final day of his trial, she gave it to him. “I saw a boy, almost a child, in a situation so grave asking for forgiveness,” she said. “I felt huge compassion and huge tenderness.” As we move toward healing, we assume that the wounds of life will be closed and repaired. Some of our hurt and pain is so intense that they may never go away, but healing is not about forgetting. Healing is about completing. It's about finding the supernatural miracle, that is, rising above the expected and achieving the spectacular. Forgiveness is supernatural. Forgiveness is going beyond the expected and therefore the result is spectacular. It's healing and completing. Mrs. Aguirre's actions were supernatural, that is, they rose above the expected argument of hatred and acknowledged the power of love. There's not much higher healing than this. On our Road to Healing we stop to reflect today on yet another lesson in the art of healing through forgiveness. Our illness, our disease and misunderstandings come in many forms and shapes. To be healed we need to rise above the expected to achieve the spectacular. You're looking for a healing. You've asked for a healing. Now ask yourself, how can I make this happen by rising above the expected? By being greater than the natural, that is, by being supernatural? Is there room for love and forgiveness in my life and if I opt for them, is there healing? I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netMore about Raul Aguirre at http://7x77.orgGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014 Day 17Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, says that there is no future without forgiveness. You merely have to think about the phrase briefly to understand how profoundly true it is. Forgiveness is about the past and unless the past is resolved, that is, unless it is at peace, there can be no harmony and healing in the future. Back in 2006, I was walking down a street in the city of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda when I had a very special awakening and revelation. The streets were full of people. A little over a decade earlier, the streets and beautiful countryside were lined with corpses, the remains of the victims of genocide. I come from a background of genocide. My grandparents escaped the Genocide nearly a hundred years ago. Unlike my grandparents and hundreds of thousands of other Armenians who escaped their homeland to seek safe haven, the survivors of the Rwandan Genocide had to live in the same neighborhoods and in close proximity to perpetrators the mass killing. In other words they have found a means of healing even after such a barbaric and unimaginable crime as genocide.* The power of forgiveness in the case of Rwanda is huge and undeniable when witnessed directly amidst the people. And I witnessed the power of that healing on that street. I speak on the large scale but the same truth and power of forgiveness is applicable to us on an individual scale as well. If we're looking for healing – physical, emotional, psychological – there is a vital step in the process that means reconciling with our condition. This does not mean we give in, give up or accept any of the language of victimization. Quite the opposite, it means finding the courage to rise and forgive. “There is no future without forgiveness.” Last Sunday our Journey took us past a father and son who offered us a lesson in forgiveness. In fact, the lesson was so intense that I called for a day of rest and a day of preparation for the road ahead. Forgiveness is not for the weak and faint at heart. Forgiveness, we find, is another building block on which our healing is dependent upon. Forgiveness is an action that you need to give and receive. We all need to be forgiven and at the same time we need to forgive. In both instances we have issues because of our egos. We need to be forgiven but we're cautious and ask who gave that person the right to forgive me? We want to forgive, but we remember the pain and get stuck in the past. Who's past? Well, it's a past that only we have control over. To make the process understandable Archbishop Tutu suggests** that there are four important steps toward healing, namely, admitting to the wrong, articulating it, asking and granting forgiveness and finally renewing the relationship. We received a practical example of Tutu's four steps in the parable of the “Prodigal Son.” If you remember (from Last Sunday) for the young man to be healed, that is, reconciled with his father, and healed, first he admitted to the wrong. He came to the point of awakening and realized his situation. Next he articulated it by setting out his plan for return. Third, he made the journey home, asking and granting forgiveness, and finally, the relationship was renewed as he entered into his father's home. Forgiveness may seem difficult to give and/or to receive, but just as we are doing on the Road to Healing, we're not going to tackle this topic overnight. We're taking our time. This is why we have spread out the Journey over 40 days. Forgiveness can be managed by breaking it up into parts and components. Forgiveness is essential to our overall health. Forgiveness is about us and others, others and us. Tomorrow we delve further into forgiveness. The topic for today's meditation a simple one: What future do you have without forgiveness? Contemplate this question today and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow when we continue on the Road to Healing. * Victims and perpetrators of the Rwandan Genocide living together is akin to the small but significant community of Armenians who live in Istanbul today. The similarity between the Armenian and Rwandan Genocides are striking. The difference between the two is a simple one – in the case of the Rwandans, the perpetrators have accepted their crime, in the case of the Armenians the Turkish government has not. My reflections on Rwanda, as an Armenian Priest can be found at http://dervaz.blogspot.com/** Archbishop Desmond Tutu's newest book, The Book of Forgiving is “both a touchstone and a tool, offering Tutu's wise advice and showing the way to experience forgiveness. Ultimately, forgiving is the only means we have to heal ourselves and our aching world.” – Amazon.comProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netPhoto: New Life ©2006 Fr. Vazken MovsesianGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 16: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) “Hey, congratulations,” said Ed to Liddy. They hadn't seen each other since they broke up during their senior year in college. They had dated for several years and even contemplated marriage. Things happened and they both went their separate ways. No matter how much time goes by there is that initial nervousness that can leads to awkwardness when you first connect with someone so special from the past. It certainly was there at this chance meeting at the Starbucks in Lompoc, near the Air Force Base. After college Liddy had moved out of state, married, and built a lucrative career as an engineer, acquiring many government contracts. Her latest success involved a major deal with the Mars-Taurus project at Vandenberg. After the initial surprise of seeing one another, the exchange of a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek, Ed started the conversation, “It's great to see you here.” “It's great to be back here on the California coast. I missed the breeze and that gentle mist. I often wondered if you were still in the area.” Ed smiled and after a brief pause, he offered his congratulations. “Thanks. I've been waiting a long time for this.” It didn't surprise her that he knew about her landing this sweet deal. She had been interviewed by the local newspaper and a radio station just about a month ago. “How soon is it going to be?” “Oh, everything is set for next week. And we're set to move in then.” “What's it going to be?” “What do you mean?” “Boy or girl?” There was an awkward pause along with her confused look. “Umm…” That's when they both realized something was off. “Boy or girl? In my new job? I'm not sure what you mean.” Ed looked down at her belly and asked, “What's it going to be? Didn't you find out already?” Liddy put her hand on her tummy and in an uncomfortable manner replied, “Oh that. I guess that's what happens after years of a desk job, not enough exercise and eating junk food.” Now the awkwardness-ball was in Ed's court. He had his foot in his mouth and needed to get it out quickly. He spotted her key chain; it had a small dog medallion on it. Pointing to it, he said, “Oh, I saw the charm on your ring. Is your dog a he or a she?” Now this had to have been the most lame and stupidest come-back, but he was going for it. Liddy came back on her own, “It's OK, I know I've gained quite a bit of weight since we last saw each other. Trust me; you're not the first one to notice.” “What are you talking about? You look as good as you did back then. A pound here, a few pounds there, with all the sugar and carbs people are taking in, you've rounded out well.” At this point, even he realized this wasn't getting better. “You're being kind, Ed.” She was truly embarrassed and now the conversation was too personal for comfort. “It was nice seeing you today. Maybe we'll run into each other soon.” She had had enough and needed get away. He was embarrassed and in a last ditch effort to rectify the conversation, “If you really want to get out from behind the desk, there's a great gym just up the street.” He was done. He wanted to kick himself in the mouth. Maybe that's where the expression “putting your foot in your mouth” comes from. Have you ever put your foot in your mouth? I know we've all said something that we've later regretted. I'm sure you'll agree that the bigger regret is when we don't acknowledge our mistake in the first place and make it worse by shoving our foot farther and farther in. Ed mistook Liddy's weight gain for a pregnancy. Mistakes happened. Yes, he would have had a moment's embarrassments, but friendships can survive embarrassments. They can't survive insincerity. His cover up was the painful part. It was what pushed Liddy away and closed the conversation and closed the future for the two. On our Road to Healing we are at a new plateau. Yesterday I asked you to take some time to reflect on all that we have learned thus far. We're going to accelerate the trip and journey into some uncomfortable areas. We can either admit to our flaws and suffer a moment or two of embarrassment (but what is embarrassment among friends?) or we can fake it, twist and turn until we force that foot in our mouth. Let's opt for the first way and keep an open mind and reflect openly – without fear of embarrassment. Our prayer this day is to keep our soul and heart open. To find the courage to be upright and sincere, admitting our faults and refuse the stigma of embarrassment. We have no reason to reject this sincerity; we are with God and with our self. 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.netGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 15: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) The popular TV game show, “Family Feud” was started back in the mid 1970's with a host named Richard Dawson. I remember the show quite well, perhaps because I had an opportunity a contestant on the series – an episode I'd be happy to forget, which says something about how we did… The show began with an introduction of the two families and then the announcer would say, to the sound of a cheering crowd, “…And here is the host of Family Feud, Richard Dawson.” I remember in particular one episode Dawson came out to his name's announcement and the applause of the crowd, puffing on a cigarette. He took to center stage with the crowd cheering, holding the cigarette between his thumb and index finger. He took a long drag and then threw it on the floor, stamped it out under his shoe. He announced to the crowd, “That was my last cigarette!” The audience cheered even louder. And then, without missing a beat, he add, “… for the rest of the show.” I don't know why I remembered that particular scene because it wasn't until many years later, when dealing with different addictive behaviors I'd come across with people throughout my ministry, I remembered that nicotine was so powerful that he couldn't commit to stopping for more than a half an hour. But it's not about nicotine or because of addictions that I bring up this story. Instead it's about sincerity and taking small steps on the Road to Healing. It may be tempting to look for answers for the long term, but keep in mind, anything good and of value is not easy to acquire. If we are looking to treat the symptoms of our illness, there are many medications and gauze that we can take or place on the wound to ease the pain or fix the hurt. But healing is a process. We've already come to some basic understanding of that process. We will use today as a day of rest. It's been an interesting journey thus far and especially considering the latest revelation we had in our encounter with the father and son yesterday. There needs to be some time to digest all that we have learned. Today is the day where we throw out the “cigarette” (our problem) that is hurting us, and realize that it may be forever, it may be for a week, it may be for half an hour. Don't be anxious. The road is ahead of us and it's not going anywhere. Only we are. Let's look forward to the new awakenings every day. Take some time to absorb, breathe and relax. This is Fr. Vazken, I look forward to taking the next step in our journey with you tomorrow as we continue on the Road to Healing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netPhoto: Waiting: Calm before the storm (c) 2004 Fr. Vazken MovsesianGet A Lenten Journey with Fr. Vazken delivered by emailView in iTunesNow Playing on BluBrry

Road to Healing – Lenten Journey 2014Day 14: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) “Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.” (Stanley Gordon West). Isn't that true? A young man found out this truth the hard way. He convinced his father to give him a cut of his inheritance – quite a sizable amount – and he went out spending it. He was in fat-city. Night life, clubs, parties, fun, games, excitement! And on top of it, friends! Well of course, he was buying. He had friends right, left and center. And then it happened. The economy turned. Things were rough and the young man's money ran out. No money, no parties, no fun and games. No fun and games, no friends. They all abandoned him and he was left alone looking at his situation. It was a loneliness like none other. It was hard because he once lived so well and now everything was gone. He became desperate. He was hungry and cold. In fact, one day he passed by some animals feeding in a yard. When he looked over and saw the slop that the pigs were eating and it looked good, he had a wake up moment! He was completely disgusted with himself and where he was in life. He couldn't even fathom the idea that the disgusting and filthy hog-food was looking good to him. It was in his wake up moment that he realized his father's employees lived better than he did. So he came up with a simple plan. I'll go back to my father, he thought to himself, and I'll ask him for a job as an employee. Forget about asking him to take me back into the house, I'll just ask to be tried out as a hired-hand. So with this scheme he heads home. While on the road, the father seems him. He runs out and embraces his lost son with both arms and squeezes him emotionally and full of love. The son started to say, “Dad, I'm sorry. I messed up. Would you hire me as …” Before he could finish, the father called his workers. He ordered one to take the son and have him fitted for the finest clothes they could find. He ordered another worker to organize a huge celebration party, inviting friends and family. Then he ordered his family ring, to be placed on the son's finger. His son was not going to be accepted as a servant, employee or worker. Absolutely nothing less than the blood relative – the son – he was. “Today we celebrate,” said the father in emotions that could not be contained, “for my son was lost and he is found. He was dead and now he is alive.” For the last several days of the Lenten Journey, we've been exploring the concept of God, that is, the Ultimate Perfection, the Total and Complete that touches our life, and is a factor in the formula for healing. Today, we receive the most special and true expression of God and it comes to us via a parable, a story, offered to us by Christ. “No one knows the Father except he that is come from the Father.” It is the story of the “Prodigal Son.” This story, as I have shared it with you, is the story of a wayward son, but even more it's the story of a compassionate and loving Father. It's the only understanding that is necessary on the Road to Recovery, because this understanding includes every other understanding and definition. Is there anything more powerful than Love? Is there anything greater than Compassion? Is there anything more healing, comforting and completing than the Love that comes from outside and transforms us, to become the terminals and transmitters of love our self? The story is so simple and yet so weighted with truths of human nature. But the example of the father shines. He is one who does not wait for the child to come home; in fact, he goes out to meet the son. He does not harbor anger nor does he seek vengeance. He's not interested in the past, only in the here and now. He cherishes life. When we look for God's blessings in our life – a healing – realize you've already received the blessing and therefore the healing. Remember, when we first started this Journey two weeks ago, we heard the voice, “Do you want to be healed?” If we do, like the son, we to turn back, accept our circumstances and humble ourselves. Then, the healing begins. The love comes pouring out. We have much to absorb. I look forward to continuing this journey with you tomorrow as we walk 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 13: Play Now: Direct Link for Download (right click and save link as...) For the last few days we've been looking to God as a necessary part of this journey we are on. We have resolved that healing is from within and without. We look within and without to find the all the attributes of God, the completeness, the beauty and the perfection. In that perfection, illness and disease cannot exist, only good health and harmony prevail. Today we take a look at a reflection written by Sirach which calls our attention to the God within nature and the seen universe. Listen in and do not get ahead of the path. Tomorrow, we will unfold one more secret that will give us the fullest understanding of God. This writing from Sirach comes to us from around 200 years before Christ. Here we see the beauty of nature and see the perfection of God. I will now call to mind the works of the Lord, and will declare what I have seen. The sun looks down on everything with its light, and the work of the Lord is full of his glory. He searches out the abyss and the human heart; he understands their innermost secrets. How desirable are all his works, and how sparkling they are to see! Who could ever tire of seeing his glory? The pride of the higher realms is the clear vault of the sky, as glorious to behold as the sight of the heavens. The sun, when it appears, proclaims as it rises what a marvelous instrument it is, the work of the Most High. At noon it parches the land, and who can withstand its burning heat? A man tending a furnace works in burning heat, but three times as hot is the sun scorching the mountains; it breathes out fiery vapors, and its bright rays blind the eyes. It is the moon that marks the changing seasons, governing the times, their everlasting sign. From the moon comes the sign for festal days, a light that wanes when it completes its course. The new moon, as its name suggests, renews itself; how marvelous it is in this change, a beacon to the hosts on high, shining in the vault of the heavens! The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven, a glittering array in the heights of the Lord. On the orders of the Holy One they stand in their appointed places; they never relax in their watches. Look at the rainbow, and praise him who made it; it is exceedingly beautiful in its brightness. It encircles the sky with its glorious arc; the hands of the Most High have stretched it out. By his command he sends the driving snow and speeds the lightnings of his judgment. Therefore the storehouses are opened, and the clouds fly out like birds. In his majesty he gives the clouds their strength, and the hailstones are broken in pieces. The voice of his thunder rebukes the earth; when he appears, the mountains shake. At his will the south wind blows; so do the storm from the north and the whirlwind. He scatters the snow like birds flying down, and its descent is like locusts alighting. The eye is dazzled by the beauty of its whiteness, and the mind is amazed as it falls. He pours frost over the earth like salt, and icicles form like pointed thorns. The cold north wind blows, and ice freezes on the water; it settles on every pool of water, and the water puts it on like a breastplate. He consumes the mountains and burns up the wilderness, and withers the tender grass like fire. A mist quickly heals all things; the falling dew gives refreshment from the heat. By his plan he stilled the deep and planted islands in it. Those who sail the sea tell of its dangers, and we marvel at what we hear. We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: “He is the all.” Where can we find the strength to praise him? For he is greater than all his works. (Sirac 42) I leave you with this passage for you to contemplate on this 13th day of the Lenten Journey. Tomorrow, when we return, we will be instructed in the most profound expression and understanding of God. I look forward to greeting you then, and together, continuing 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

Living against the tide. St. Sarkis, as a saint for today, on Superbowl Sunday, making it relevant. Examples of faith. The promise of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21), “But not a hair of your head will perish.”  Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Recorded LIVE on February 1, 2015 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.orgAnnouncements about faith at start;Armenian Sermon at minute 5:27;English at minute 22:12

The White "bloodless" Massacre takes away identity. Beyond the rhetoric of language and marriage, this is a call to find the Christian values we have left behind. Thoughts at the Centennial year. Gospel: John 3. Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Recorded LIVE on January 25, 2015 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale.Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.orgArmenian Language Sermon at startEnglish Language Sermon at minute 18:45

Changing the way we think - not as easy as water to wine, but necessary to avoid the insanity that waits. Thoughts at the Centennial year. Gospel: John 2. Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Recorded LIVE on January 18, 2015 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale.Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.orgArmenian Language at startEnglish Language at minute 15:06

A wrap up of the Advent Season and preparations for Christmas, with explanations and inspirations for Christmas. Sermon delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian on 21 December 2014- Recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church and Youth Ministries Center. Announcements about the Church - the events of Christmas, Guests - Levon Petrosian, Hrair Nalbandian and the children singing. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.orgArmenian Sermon begins at 11:45 minute English language sermon at minute counter: 21:35

New Year – 2015 – Sermon delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian on 4 January 2015- Recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church and Youth Ministries Center. The Centennial Year has arrived as has the “Ascension Moment”.Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.orgMessages and Float announcements at beginning – Armenian & EnglishEnglish full sermon at minute 15:25

ITP # 42: Ever had upgrades done to your kitchen? It's all fine if the foundation is solid. Building upon damage is not a good idea. The same is true of ourselves. What is your core built on? Listen in Inside the Pomegranate to find out what's going on in Anush's kitchen, and even deeper. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netLook for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

In this sermon on the "Great Banquet" described in Luke 14 - Fr. Vazken helps with preparing your Christmas gift and invite list. On self-justification and self-righteousness. The story of the homeless woman who helped out in the Armenian Earthquake. Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and recorded LIVE on December 7, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale. Armenian language at beginning English language at minute 13:50. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

ITP #41: On Thanksgiving Eve our In His Shoes outreach delivered meals to needy families in the Glendale area. Anush and her husband and niece delivered food to three families in transitional housing. On this episode, we take a look at those families, and we talk about getting our children involved in helping out with compassionate acts and teaching them Christian responsibility. Come on in...it's all Inside the Pomegranate. St Peter Armenian Church Toy Drive Wish List: http://tiny.cc/Yvette_Toys Holiday Jammin' BoutiqueProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netLook for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

ITP #40: What do you say to a friend when they've shared with you something troubling they're going through? Or that they have been diagnosed with an illness? We aways try to make it better but maybe all we need to do is be there with them. In this weeks episode, Anush takes a look at Empathy, prepping for Thanksgiving, and then of course, there's the gratitude list. Links: Power of Empathy videoGramma's Yalanchi RecipeProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netLook for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

Reflections on the Rich Fool (Luke 12) - on the problems of greed and comparison shopping in life. Prelude to Thanksgiving - We have succeeded in taking too many things from America, how about taking the plan of Thanksgiving? Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Recorded LIVE on November 23, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale. Armenian at beginning English at minute 15:00 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

ITP #39: This week brought with it two opportunities to reach out to the homeless community. Hear about this month's homeless outreach and some of the challenges facing families in the shelter and how you can help. And then there's that Gratitude List Anush said she's share with you. Take a listen Inside the Pomegranate. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netLook for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

ITP #38: The past 6 months have flown by. Anush is back and playing "catch up " in this episode: from grandparenthood, World Adoption Day, to the illustration of her second book, tackling fears about work (and making it work!), to walking for the homeless...it's all inside! Inside the Pomegranate! Links: Anush's emailStory of NaregAnush's HomeWalk Donation PageProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netLook for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

A young girl awakens from sleep (Luke 8) and we receive a message of growth. Our children and St. Joseph as the saint of adoption. Christ as the Catalyst to our Fiery Life. Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Recorded LIVE on November 9, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale. Sermon Language: Armenian at start English Sermon at Minute: 11:50 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually. St. Joseph the Adoptive Father

Connections between Catholicos Vazken and the Feast of All Saints. Personal reflections including the Shrine Auditorium Incident. Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Recorded LIVE on November 2, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale. Sermon Language: Armenian at start English Sermon at Minute: 14:39 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually. The Shrine Auditorium

Recharged with the Mission of Christ: In a call to understand "Mission" in terms beyond the material welfare, Fr. Vazken challenges the congregation to mature in faith and spirituality in this stirring and energy-filled sermon. Delivered and recorded LIVE at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale. Language: Armenian at start; English at minute 12:53 and forward Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

On the theme of freedom and independence, Fr. Vazken delivers a sermon beyond the normal politics of the day and calls on the powers of imagination and dreaming as a process facilitated by freedom. Sermon delivered and recorded LIVE on September 21, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, California. Armenian language at beginning; English sermon at minute 13:08 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

September 14, 2014 - In this sermon, Fr. Vazken candidly talks about cancer as a "cross that needs to be elevated" from the hiding. This is an expression of the crosses and the disease that menaces our lives on a personal level and globally. He brings relevancy to the healing claims of Christianity for today. Recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale California. Armenian language sermon followed by English language at minute 14:04 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

Labor Day 2014, Fr. Vazken preaches this sermon about our work and labors, anxiety and stress - finding a path to enthusiasm and purpose. Spoken and recorded LIVE on August 31, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Center, Glendale, CA.Armenian at beginningEnglish at minute 13:55 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

Sermon on Productivity. Before St. Mary said YES to God, she had her excuses, much as we do - preventing us from realizing our dreams. Fr. Vazken uses the story of Mary & Martha to point to importance of the "robust" choice. Sermon delivered and recorded at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, August 17, 2014. Armenian Language at startEnglish Language at 08:55 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Post by St Peter Armenian Church.

Compass #41: - August 17, 2014 - From New Mexico, to Scotland to Armenia, Linda examines the pull of sacred lands contrasting the safeness and dangers of spiritual life. New Mexican soil is smeared on her skin and the spirit of Armenia is in her soul for this discussion of safety nets and life experiences. We love to hear from our listeners.  Please address questions and comments to compass@epostle.netEngineered by Ken T. NalikProduced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.netLook for Compass on Blubrry.comSubscribe to Compass by EmailGet Compass on iTunesPlay Now: 

On the Transfiguration of Christ and the need for focused Christ-Centeredness to achieve our potential. Sermon by Fr. Vazken Movsesian Delivered and Recorded LIVE on July 27, 2014 at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale. Language - Armenian at beginning English at Minute 13:50 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Post by St Peter Armenian Church.

Post-Pilgrimage reflections and sermon regarding Hope, Peace and Direction. Delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian at the St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Ministry Center, Glendale, California on July 20, 2014. Armenian at startEnglish at minute 19:10Read the blog: I Found the Pearl Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

Baccalaureate 2014 - the Graduates receive a special message and blessing by Fr. Vazken. In his sermon, Fr. Vazken emphasizes the concept of "Ascension" as a necessary next step to Resurrection. Delivered on the Sunday after Ascension  Sermon delivered and recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Ministries Center, Glendale on Sunday, June 1, 2014 -Announcements at StartArmenian Language Sermon begins at minute 3:10English Language at minute 11:30Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

Those who can, do, those who can't, criticize. A riveting sermon by Fr. Vazken about moving from excuses to living. When your cross becomes an excuse to live, it's time for a reassessment of life. A new understanding of the Cross. Sermon delivered and recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Ministries Center, Glendale on Sunday, May 18, 2014 - Apparition of the Holy Cross.Armenian Language at beginningEnglish Language at minute 11:11 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

Mothers' Day Sermon delivered by Fr. Vazken Movsesian on May 11, 2014. A look at Jesus and his relationship with his mother and his mother with him. Topics: motherhood, life and the need to work together. Jesus & Mary - Mary & Jesus. Recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church and Youth Ministries Center. Armenian language at minute 1:39English language at minute 11:24 Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.

ITP #37: There have been 27 Cinco de Mayos since Anush's daughter Ani was born. 27 years of creativity and memories to share. On this week's episode of Inside the Pomegranate, Anush shares some memories and the blessings of being a mom. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

ITP #36: In this episode, Anush talks about the joys of parenting….from parenting your children, to taking care of an elderly parent, and then, learning how to step aside from the parenting (but still loving) when it comes to helping someone who is not your child. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net Look for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrrySubscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by EmailGet Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes Play Now: 

Easter Eve Sermon - on the unique event of Easter. Powerful message about the power of resurrection and the absurdity of the trappings of the Church. In Armenian and in English at minute 8:10. A message about the primary teaching of the Church - Christ has Resurrected. Sermon preached by Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Recorded LIVE at the St. Peter Armenian Church on April 19, 2014. Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for Epostle.netWe invite you to explore Epostle.net, where you’ll find similar sermons, podcasts, Bible studies, and webcasts to inspire you spiritually.