Dear Friends,

Today we are celebrating two very important events: Pentecost and Mother’s Day. Neither can be ignored, so I’d like to give attention to both of these here.

According to ancient practice on the fiftieth day after Easter the Christian Church celebrates the feast of Pentecost, which in our Armenian Church parlance is “Hokekaloost,” literally the “Coming of the Spirit.” In fact, that is exactly what today is all about. In fulfillment of His promise to the holy Apostles, following His ascension into heaven our blessed Lord sent the Holy Spirit.

We all know that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. The role of the Holy Spirit is to fulfill - complete and to empower - inspire.

The Holy Spirit is the activator of the holy sacraments. Baptism is completed with the descent of the Holy Spirit during the rite of confirmation or chrismation.

The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the holy scriptures to write down the word of God for the edification of all Christians throughout the ages.

On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit in the appearance of tongues of fire empowered the apostles to communicate the saving gospel of our Lord in every language and for all peoples. While at the event of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) people became confused and divided by language, at Pentecost (Acts 2) the Holy Spirit brought unity in the preaching and understanding of the gospel.

Let us pray fervently that the Holy Spirit inspire and empower us to grow in faith, hope and love. Pentecost also signifies the birthday of the Christian Church.

Today in our civic calendar we celebrate the great virtue of Motherhood. This day we prayerfully give thanks and ask heavenly blessings upon our mothers (whether living or deceased). On this special day we call to mind all the loving sacrifice given by our mothers on our behalf and from the depths of our hearts we express our appreciation and love.

Reflecting on the beauty and indeed mystery of motherhood we cannot but remember the mother of us all, St. Mary, whom we address as the Mother of God and who serves as our chief intercessor before God.

May the Lord our God bless and inspire all of our mothers through the prayers of the Holy Mother of God. Amen.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
May 11, 2008