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 -------------------------------------- Do you believe in Miracles? PASTOR'S MESSAGE All too often when we hear the word "miracle" we think of large scale happenings. It brings to mind supernatural phenomena, usually accomplished with a fair share of thunder bolts and lightening. Further, when we hear of miracles, or those claiming to have experienced a miracle, what is our reaction? DisbeliefÉSomething wrongÉ one step from insanityÉ We are a sensation-seeking society. This is is evident by the popularity of such tabloids as The National Enquirer. With such headlines as "God speaks to catÉ" or "Cancer disappears in man after 30 yearsÉ", we define the word "miracle" as some abnormal, supernatural occurrence. Even when we look to the Bible, we read stories of God parting the Red Sea, restoring sight to the blind, allowing the lame to walk, healing the sick. Because of all the sensationalism that comes with the experience of a "miracle" we sometimes forget or overlook the everyday wonders God performs. On August 30, 1986 Yeretzgin Susan and I experienced a miracle. Our miracle came in a 9 lb. 1 oz. package--a baby boy, Varoujan Sarkis. No thunderbolts. No lightening. It was an occurrence that takes place everyday, but very unique to us. Is this a miracle? When you consider that we live in a world where technology has advanced to such a point where we can describe remote parts of the universe, then the birth of a baby may seem insignificant. But, the next time we are tempted to question the existence of God, the next time we wonder if there are miracles, the next time we become confident of the technology that surrounds us, let us take a look at a baby's fingernail (all 2 millimeters) and realize that with all the test tubes and computers we still cannot create a single fingernail. We may be able to control life, but only God can give life. This is the greatest of all miracles. On behalf of Yeretzgin and myself I thank all our parishioners for their prayers during the past year. May God bless you and your families. Prayerfully, Fr. Vazken -------------------------------------- c. 1986 Fr. Vazken Movsesian Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org --------------------------------------