Is summertime good for the soul?

Published July 30, 2005

IN THEORY

Is summertime good for the soul?

Q: In a new book, "Summer: A Spiritual Biography of the Seasons," editor Gary Schmidt and illustrator Susan Felch present writings from several authors about the cathartic value of summertime -- its ability to spiritually heal and renew, and to allow people to value time.

Do you agree? Is there something about summertime that can renew us, even in a spiritual sense?

A: The warmth of the summer months lends itself nicely to a period of renewal.

It is during these months that we seek recreation, that is, a means to re-create ourselves and our lives.

Interestingly enough, in the ancient Armenian Church the summer months are dedicated to renewal and rejuvenation. It is the season during which we celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, recalling how she was assumed into a new and everlasting life. As the "Life-bearer," St. Mary holds a unique spot in the tradition of the church. She gives humanity a chance to renew itself in its quest for peace.

Unique to the Armenian Church liturgies is a tradition of blessing grapes.

This ceremony takes place during August. The fruits of the fields and the products of labor are blessed. During this service, families are invited to renew themselves internally and to their community. Following the biblical metaphor of a branch producing fruit only when it is united to the vine, in the same manner people find the fullness of life only when connected to the source of their spirituality, that is, God.

These traditions have their roots during the hot summer months for many reasons, primarily because of the intensity of heat and light which comes to us during summer. Happy re-creation!

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Recliners or pews?

Published July 23, 2005

IN THEORY

Recliners or pews?

Q: A new form of worshiping God is emerging. It involves using images that flash across big video screens and flashy music that caters to young evangelicals -- reportedly called "the Emerging Church." In one reported case, church members meet in the round and sit in couches and recliners instead of pews. The movement has been called an effort to spread the gospel to those who feel alienated from current and traditional forms of worship. But some worry that this movement, which is finding new ways to "experience" faith and interpret its tenets, could lead to people leaving faiths and the tenets of those faiths altogether. What do you think?

A: Mine is not to criticize another person's form of worship. Means by which people approach the sacred vary and, like all art forms, find their validity in the eye (or soul) of the beholder.

Forms of worship do not change or alter the message. The Christian message was, is and will always be the same: Love is the path for our physical and spiritual salvation.

The Armenian Church as an ancient Orthodox church has been criticized from within for its long liturgical worship forms. Contemporary means and approaches to worship have long been debated within the church ranks. And as a youth outreach leader I am especially sensitive to the issues of liturgical reform.

In our experience, we have found the answers in our roots. We are called an "Apostolic" church because we trace our lineage to the Apostle Thaddeus, but even more important, we celebrate our Christian experience in the same manner as the Apostles. That is, the worship and community life are centered around the sacrament of the Eucharist, which is the outward expression of love.

Through the years, we've discovered what we all have always known. People don't choose one church over another because of music, décor, programs, etc. Rather, they are looking for a place where they are loved and can love.

Jesus Christ was the first pastor to offer this in his church. The apostles did the same. The challenge is now passed along to us. If flashing videos, projected pictures and deejay music are the lure, their enduring power will be tested by the message they herald. There is no alternative to an environment based on love.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Reconciling Death in the Name of Religion

Published July 16, 2005

IN THEORY

Reconciling Death in the Name of Religion

Q: How do you reconcile death from terrorism -- terrorism in the name of religion -- with religion? That is, how can we believe in a religion, when so many have died in the name of it?

A: Religion celebrates life. It does not destroy it. Religion fills the emptiness in life as the soul looks for companionship with something higher than itself. To believe that religion advocates the destruction of life contradicts the very definition of religion and ultimately humanity.

Yes, even the myths that make up so much of religious folklore, need to be placed in context of their times and circumstances. To believe that a god will destroy the crowning point of his creation is archaic. These stories give rise to justifications for hatred, judgment, rape, slaughter and murder.

Our world has never had the means and the technology available, as it does today, to resolve every issue in a peaceful manner. It is the spirit of pride and hatred that moves people to eschew peaceful means and opt for violence.

Love has to be, and can only be, the guiding force behind all religion.

Where there is love, there cannot be violence. Violence can never be called in the name of religion.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Should clergy shape war policy?

Published July 9, 2005 - Glendale News Press - Los Angeles Time

IN THEORY

Should clergy shape war policy?

Q: The National Council of Churches, an ecumenical group of Christian denominations, this week announced a declaration urging President Bush to develop a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and to reevaluate his policy on Iraq, which they say has failed. They also urged him to listen to a wider pool of religious advisors on the issue.

Do you agree with their declaration? And can/should religious advisors play a role in war policy?

A: Better late than never.

Religious leadership must always present the highest of ideals and ask/demand that society strive for them. If religious leaders took on the task of speaking out for justice, yes, President Bush -- and even more, our country -- would be better served with an expanded pool of religious advisors.

The saddest people in life are those who have no hope for tomorrow. Religion weaves the dreams of hope and it is up to society to wake up to actualize those dreams.

The most pressing dream of our day is that of peace. War robs the world of hope and, therefore, religion must talk the language of peace. It behooves every religious leader to guide and direct people toward the ideals -- truth, justice, freedom -- that bring peace.

It is about time the National Council of Churches came out with this call.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries

Contemplating the Court on Commandments

Contemplating the Court on Commandments

Q: The Supreme Court this week ruled that displays of the Ten Commandments on government property are not inherently unconstitutional. In essence, the justices ruled 5 to 4 in two cases that each case of alleged governmental promotion of religion by displaying the Ten Commandments needs to be examined on its own. In one case, they ruled that the Ten Commandments could not be displayed, because they go too far in endorsing religion. In another other, they ruled that it could be, on historical grounds. The decision has brought criticism on the grounds that a case-by-case look is not a principle that can be applied consistently. Observers also say it doesn't settle the role of religion in society. What do you think of the court's decision?

A:The court skirted the bigger issue and gave a ruling that the Ten Commandments may be displayed inconspicuously among other documents and monuments.

Coincidently, God and religion were inconspicuously placed among other news items that captured the nation's attention this week. President Bush spoke to us, called for the continuance of the war and ended his words with "God bless you all." At the same time, we were introduced to the bigger war, the "War of the Worlds," and we were given a dose of Scientology along with the review of Tom Cruise acting.

In essence, the Supreme Court followed the patterns of society.

This weekend, we celebrate the founding of this incredible country, the United States of America. The name of our country invokes something in each of our souls. Our country was founded on a dream and continues to define itself as it evolves through a process. God was not something etched in stone back in 1776; neither was religion. The Founding Fathers had a notion that God was the underlying force for what we refer to as liberty, peace and freedom. These terms are not abstract, nor can they be placed inconspicuously in the corners of our lives.

I wish the court had ruled more decisively. But my greater desire is that we as a society can not be afraid of these terms that point us to our ideals.

Words are etched in stone, but our challenge is to etch them in our hearts.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth Ministries