Dear Friends,

In solidarity with Armenian faithful throughout the world today we embark upon our Great Lenten journey. This is the annual pilgrimage of spiritual renewal, whose destination is the cross and empty tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The gospel lesson appointed for today comes to us from Jesus’ well know “Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 6)” In His message our blessed Lord provides us teaching concerning the three essential components of the Lenten discipline: 1. Almsgiving 2. Prayer 3. Fasting.

While assuming that His followers are doing these things, He strongly admonishes them not to be show offs with these spiritual practices, but rather that their almsgiving, prayer and fasting should come from the heart and out of a sincere love for God.

“Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them…”

“Thus when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do….do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…”

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret…”

“And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites…when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be observed by men...”

So as we begin Great Lent, I bid everyone “Pari Janabarh” or “Bon Voyage” as we commence our 40-day journey together.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
February 3, 2008