Message of Fr. Vazken Movsesian,
parish priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino,
from the Nakhagoch Newsletter.
Electronic version archived on:
SAIN-- St. Andrew Information Network
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c. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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Let's Remember April 25 -- It's Just as Important!


     It seems rather ironic that the Armenian people celebrate the
greatest feast of Life -- EASTER, and within a few weeks, we mourn
over one of the darkest pages in modern history -- Armenian
Martyrs' Day.
     Perhaps what seems even stranger to me is how this event
(Martyrs' Day) defines the ethic identity of so many.
     Although we celebrate the Resurrection of Lord Jesus everyday
and particularly every Sunday, we officially celebrated Easter
last week.  We did so according to some of our earliest customs
and traditions of the Holy Church.  We not only
remembered Easter but we relived Holy Week.  The entire point of
the festivities is expressed in the Good News: Christ has risen
from the dead!  This is the reason for our celebration.  On Easter
we celebrate life.  No longer do we have to life in
darkness!
     On April 24, 1915, the systematic extermination of the
Armenians began in the Ottoman Empire.  One and one-half million
Armenian men, women and children were massacred at the hands of
the Turks.  We know the story.  We have heard it from our
parents and grandparents.  We have all suffered because of it.  We
have lost family members as well as institutions.
     This year, on April 24, Armenians throughout the world will
commemorate this act of barbarism.  In most cases the
commemorations will lash out with protest against Turkey and the
Turks.  More importantly April 24 will define many of our
Armenian people.  On April 24, Armenians will band together to say
that they are Armenian.  They will draw from the day, to show that
they are Armenian.  Parents will teach children.  And thenÉ on
April 25, it's all over.  We can resume our
attitudes of indifference for another year.
     The truth of the matter is, a real Armenian is an Armenian on
April 23 as well as on April 24 as well as April 25.


	--Fr. Vazken

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c. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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