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
--------------------------------------
c. 1993r. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
--------------------------------------

	At the end of this month, we participate in a rather fun evening, 
called Halloween. The word itself references the Eve of All Saints Day 
(Hallow's Eve).
 	As we know, on this day children  -- and even adults -- dress in an 
assortment of costumes and try to scare and fool one another. Its all in fun. 
	Of course, our need to don disguises far exceeds the celebration of 
Halloween. There are a wide assortment of disguises and masks we put on 
during our lives some times to fool others, and unfortunately, at times, we 
fool ourselves. We have masks that we put on during the day at work, 
masks for our families, and masks for our friends. Have you ever noticed 
that we are different people for different occasions?
	Sometimes those masks are necessary. Sometimes we need to put 
on a happy face, when we are sad. At other times, we need to express 
contentment when we are plagued by uncertainty and worry. It is part of the 
games we play in society. But under our masks there is only one person -- 
the one that has to look in the mirror and see the bear essentials -- the self 
for what s/he is. 
	Life gives us many opportunities to evaluate the self and the 
direction the self is moving us. True, God knows the self underneath our 
masks, but the greater judge is the self itself. That is, who, but I, knows 
myself better than I do? But IF the masks and disguises have fooled even 
me, then how can I possibly know myself, or be truthful with myself? 
When we talk of truth in the Church, it is not with the intention of placing 
guilt or blame on anyone. Rather, it is a means for us, reflecting on 
ourselves to become truly whole and accomplish the work that is before us. 
For the Christian, the challenge of self-evaluation is a means of growth, 
spiritually and completely. For this to work, however, the foundation of our 
evaluation must be pure, that is, based on truth.
	While Halloween is a fun celebration, it affords us another 
opportunity to reflect within. Take a look at the various masks that are 
present in your life. Evaluate them for necessity. Realize that beneath those 
masks is a face, a self, that is created in the image of God. The power of 
God can easily be hidden under our masks. Unleash it and you will find 
that life is the "funnest" celebration of all. Enjoy it.
--Fr. Vazken