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. 1993 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org -------------------------------------- October 1993 Priest's Message Does time ever slow down? I remember as a child, wanting the days to pass quickly so that I could grow up. Now, at the end of each day, I find myself wondering if there is a way to slow down life. It's true, time is relative. At times we think it moves too slow while at other times its too fast for comfort. This month, we get a special treat, we gain an hour on October 31. Its no big deal. Its the same hour we lost last April and will again be taken from us next April. But in any case its a psychological booster, because somehow we feel we've gained a few minutes of that most valuable commodityÑtime. Sadly, no matter how many gimmicks we subscribe to, no matter how many times we turn the clock back, time is still marching on. We as people living in time, must make the best of the time that is allotted us. As I look down the road at the next few months, I see difficult times ahead for us as a community here at St. Andrew. Needless to say, our incredible mortgage is choking our church's resources. Add to this burden the incredible needs here in the community and abroad, and I'm sure you will concur with my forecast. Last Winter took its toll on Armenia. I was very proud of the way we at St. Andrew took to the challenge to send food, supplies and money. (We received confirmation that the last shipment we sent was received and distributed in Armenia on June 14.) But now, we are looking at another hard winter in Armenia with the country struggling because of the same economic and political circumstances and a reduction in resources. Meanwhile, here at St. Andrew, we cannot stay stagnant with our own community needs. Last month we appointed Michelle Youssefpour as youth director. She has already increased participation in our ACYO program. We are feeling a new vibrancy thanks to her efforts. Our Armenian School and Sunday School programs begin this week and we are geared up for a record number of children. Our support is needed for these valuable programs. The resettlement of refugees is an international problem. Here at St. Andrew, every week we have new settlers in the area who turn to the church for help. Vartan Harabajakhian, a most capable young man, is dealing with immigration services at the church. We have an orientation package in the works. Our idea is simple: allow the new-comers to integrate into American life, without becoming a burden on the welfare system. And already, we are seeing so many of them integrating into the worship and social life at St. Andrew. We are forging ahead with new ideas at St. Andrew. We are pleased to announce that our SAIN service is now global. St. Andrew is pioneering new frontiers in telecommunications for the benefit of the Armenian community as a whole. Our Ladies Society and Aghpiur groups are holding down the fort, with their financial and physical assistance. Most importantly, they are providing a much necessary support group for our community. Every aspect of our church is in need of support. Some good-willed people have told me to slow down to not over extend ourselves. But honestly, can we afford to abandon any of our projects? We have the resources in our community to make things happen. Yes, we can go on a Sunday-to-Sunday existence, but is this the best that we can do? Is this the best we can do with our time? Time is running, whether we like it or not. It's up to us to make the best of the moments we have been given. ÑFr. Vazken -------------------------------------- c. 1993 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org --------------------------------------