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. 1994 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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Dear Faithful:
	As you know, our community is growing at a steady rate. During 
these past few years, we have witnessed many families and individuals who 
have come here to the San Jose area from the former Soviet Union. 
Communications is the glue which holds society together. While Armenian 
is our "mother" tongue, for many the Russian language is an easier means of 
communications. And so, I have asked Vartan Harabajakhian to translate my 
words and make a regular column here in the Nakhagoch in the Russian 
language. 
	I realize that in the years under the Soviet Union, there was 
tremendous effort to discredit religion. But human's are physical as well as 
spiritual beings. We each have a spiritual side that cannot be forgotten. 
Religion, is the tool by which we talk to our spiritual side. Here, in the "land 
of freedom" we have many opportunities to explore and try different 
religions. Unfortunately, some of these religions are not meant to comfort 
us, but rather they distort truth and cause much confusion. Please be careful. 
God is love and His love for us is greater than all the teachings that humans 
can give us.
	The Armenian Church is an Apostolic Church, that means it was 
established by Christ's Apostles. In our case, two of the twelve apostles 
Thaddeus and Bartholomew came to Armenia and began their missionary 
work there. For two thousand years we have continued to server our people 
as a Church of Jesus Christ. Since the time of St. Gregory the Illuminator, 
our people have found comfort within the walls of the Church. Despite the 
difficulties imposed upon us by different nations and governments, we have 
found the strength to maintain our faith. And today, you are the inheritors of 
the Church. This is your church. You should always feel welcome to come 
and share with this family - your larger family - the Armenian Church. 
	As the parish priest, my first obligation is to care for your spiritual 
well-being. As you can imagine, there are many things and people that your 
priest has to interact with. I enjoy the opportunities that we have to meet in 
church, but sometimes we are rushed and we don't have enough time to 
share thoughts and ideas. Please know, that you can call me any time at the 
church office. If I'm not there, leave a message and I will be happy to call 
you back. If there are illnesses or difficulties in your families or homes, 
please notify me so that we may offer prayers and share in your challenges. 
Also, it is only by "communicating" with one another that we can strengthen 
our ties and relations with one another and thereby do the "real" work of 
God. I look forward to meeting with you soon and here on these pages of the 
Nakhagoch. 
	May God bless you and your families always.
		-Fr. Vazken