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. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org -------------------------------------- November 1986 Project Advent Christmas brings with it it's very own energy. The stores have their own message, and of course the Christian Church has Her message. In either case it is a time for joy, a time for excitement. ('Tis the seasonÉ) Yet for some -- the lonely, the homeless -- as well as for some of us who look to Christmas as a celebration of life and find it lost in the senseless madness of the shopping season, Christmas time can be very depressing. On Sunday, November 23, I initiated a program at our parish called "PROJECT ADVENT." Advent (=Coming) is a 50 day period the Church has designated as a time for preparing for Christmas. During Advent we prepare ourselves spiritually and physically to meet our Lord at His revelation. This year, rather than each of us going our own way I decided to try a unique parish activity Here's the goal of PROJECT ADVENT: On Tuesday, January 6, 1987 the Armenian Church will celebrate THEOPHANY (conveniently called "Armenian Christmas"). There are some 6OO Armenian families that reside around the St. Andrew Armenian Church. Imagine the reception Christmas would get if every Armenian family in the area attended the Christmas worship on the morning of January 6! Imagine! Being a little more realistic thoughÉimagine half of our familiesÉimagine 300 families celebrating the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Water. That's PROJECT ADVENT: Bringing together 300 Armenian families to worship the Lord at His birth and revelation! And it is possible. Now to answer some obvious questions. Q: Jan. 6 is a Tuesday, what about work? A: An employer cannot fire you for observing a religious holiday. Q: What about school? A: A student cannot be expelled for observing a religious holiday (ask your children, they're looking for the excuse). Q: Do the Jews, do the Greeks, do the Chinese and others take off of work for their religious/national holidays? A: Yes! Q: 300 families translates to 500-1000 people, where will we all stand? A: I'm not too sure, but believe me there will be a true feeling of warmth that morning. Q: Do Armenians in Armenia, Beirut, Turkey, Iran, Los Angeles do this? A: Yes. Q: Who will get the message out to the community. A: All of us. Let a friend know and bring yourself. Q: Can it be done? A: Yes. Here is an opportunity for our Armenian community to make a statement. Armenian Christmas is unique because we do not only celebrate the nativity (the Bethlehem story) but the entire idea that "The Word Became Flesh" (Jn.1:14). By this act we are given an opportunity to be saved. Here is a chance to Worship our Creator, a Creator who did not forget His creation but gave it the gift of life. At this Christmas season, we wish you all the best. May the Holiday be filled with Peace and Love for all. At St. Andrew we are committed to upholding the Gospel message in the Armenian community here in the Santa Clara Valley. Our social programs and outreach continue. In the past few months we have been able to provide tremendous amounts of food and clothing to many families during difficult times (with layoffs and jobs lost). We have been able to provide some jobs and housing for those in need. We thank our congregation for their support and remind you that we will continue to collect food and clothing through the Christmas season into the New Year. We also ask for your prayers and support in the ministry we provide. The Parish Council and myself stand ready to assist you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to ask your Church. Likewise do not hesitate to support your Church. May God's Love and Blessing be with you and your families always. --Fr. Vazken -------------------------------------- c. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org --------------------------------------