Dear Friends,

We welcome the prayerful presence of the Very Reverend Father Shnork Kasparian. May the Lord grant him many years – unt yergayn avoors ooghigh vartabedootyamp!

We also welcome the many members of the ACYOA (Armenian Youth Organization of America) who have come from various parts of our Diocese to take part in the annual Columbus Day Sports Weekend. Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly for the success of this weekend, especially those who have shown kind hospitality to our guests.

I extend a special welcome to Ms. Jennifer Morris, the Coordinator of Youth Outreach for the Diocese of the Armenian Church. May the Lord continue to inspire our youth and youth workers to labor for His greater glory and for the growth of the holy Church.

In the year 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, which became a haven and a land of promise for countless peoples ever since. Thanks be to God, St. Mesrob Mashdotz discovered the Armenian alphabet in 406 to illuminate the Armenian people in the awesome teachings and live-giving promises of the holy gospel, which lead us to the true haven, the Kingdom of God.

Yesterday, our church calendar commemorated the feast of the Holy Translators, some of which are mentioned by name: Sts. Mesrob, Yeghishe, Moses the Poet, David the Invincible Philosopher, Gregory of Narek and Nersess of Cla (the Graceful). These giants of the Armenian Church were renowned for their God-given intelligence, literary talents and deep conviction and faith in Christ.

They were declared saints because of their immeasurable role in educating the Armenian people in the divine truths of the holy gospel and in the orthodox theology. We humbly ask their intercessory prayers particularly for all educators, clergy, lay leaders and faithful; that they may be more inspired and motivated to edify the children of the holy apostolic Church.

As I write these words our world is experiencing intense drastic economic distress, which is likely to result in catastrophe especially for the most vulnerable. Let us, therefore, pray that the Lord our God inspire world and economic leaders to make wise, proper and selfless decisions for the welfare of mankind.

Holy Scripture reminds us that such trying times and experiences come to us when we forget about God. Let us embrace this wake-up call to abandon our egos – insecurities- and fears - and do only that which is “right in the eyes of the Lord.” Scripture also tells us to fear God alone and all our other fears will be vanquished.

P. S. Please be sure to make your reservation for the pilgrimage to St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, November 16 as soon as possible. Deadline is October 27.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
October 12, 2008