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. 1992 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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KISS

Keep It Simple, Stupid! (K.I.S.S.) is one of the first lessons in
advertising. It suggests that some of the most effective and
memorable symbols are the simplest. The cross, certainly fits in
this category. It is the most recognized symbol in the
world. Yet, the meaning ascribed to this symbol can vary in degree
as much as the two intersecting lines which define it.  For some,
it conjures up images of pain, suffering, humiliation, and death.
While to others (and hopefully to the Christian)
it also means victory, triumph, joy and life. In a word, it is the
symbol of the Christian ChurchÑencompassing the entire life of
Christ and the entire Christian experience.
	On September 13, the Armenian Church celebrates the Exaltation of
the Holy Cross.  It is the major feast of the Holy Cross. For us,
in this simple symbol, is the definition of our history as well as
the prophesy of our days to come.
	As your pastor, I have a unique opportunity to be invited in your
lives and I thank you for that trust. I share with you the pain
and suffering of disease, of the economy, of love and intolerance.
 And it becomes evident quickly, that no one is
exempt from difficulties and hardships.  We all have crosses to
bear.  They may appear to be bigger or smaller on certain people,
but the heaviness of each cross can only be measured by its
bearer.
	Looking beyond the individual, today we see a world in pain.  The
situation in Kharabagh and Armenia is not improving and there
doesn't seem to be relief in sight.  There is Bosnia, Serbia,
Somolia and a host of other countries which are in dire
need for attention and justice. And not too far from home, we have
here in the United States, an economy which is forcing people out
of their homes, to crime and even death.  Our state now ends a
second month without a budget; health care and
emergency services are feeling the cut and this wears away at
every one of us.
	Sometimes we may think that by being a Christian, we are exempt
from pain and suffering. In fact, just the opposite is true.
Christ says, If any want to become my followers, let them deny
themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Luke
9:23) His promise is not one of an easy life, but one of
challenge, struggle, working for something beyond the self and
being victorious over life and its hardships.
	At the feast of the Holy Cross, I invite all our parishioners, to
join in prayer for the suffering and disease (physical or
otherwise) in the world.  As I have stated many times, prayer is
not for an outside Power to come and heal our wounds. When
you are praying, do not heap up empty phrasesÉ for your Father
knows what you need before you ask him.  (Matt. 6:7-8)  Prayer is
for us to open our hearts, our minds and our eyes Ñto feel our
needs and the needs of others Ñ and thereby allow God to
work through us to bring about change.
			ÑFr. Vazken
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c. 1992 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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