Our focus for reflection for all of Advent, in sync with our entire Diocese, has been ‘leaning into hope.’ In doing so, we are seeking to recover something very specific our church believes about hope, which is more than optimism and does not depend on if things are going well today or look good tomorrow.…
‘The soul grows not by addition but by subtraction,’ said German Theologian Meister Eckhart. This ancient eastern wisdom is such a welcome counter balance to our modern western culture which seems only to be interested in a life of addition; more, more and even more. Especially at this time of year; our shopping carts are…
“Seek first the kingdom of God, and these things will be yours as well.” Lk 12:31 It’s that busy time of year again, and I am feeling a bit anxious. All this year’s finances and contracts and campaigns need completing; and next year is filling up fast with events, meetings and deadlines. My google calendar…
On occasion in my sermons, I have alluded to medieval Armenian Churchman Mkhitar Gosh’s Fables, his collection of morality tales using animals and plants as his characters. In the manner of Gosh, I have a humorous fable for you today to lead us into the spirit of stewardship Sunday: A pig and a chicken were…
In the past month, the leadership team of St. Hagop has spent significant time writing personal letters. At our young professional’s gathering our outreach ministry chair Grace Austin passed thanksgiving cards around the table to sign and send to our homebound parishioners. In my office that week I was doing the same, writing personal notes…
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. -Ep 5:19-20 In today’s reading, St. Paul reminds the church of the great power of music; a gift of God to the earth, which lifts us toward the heavens. St. Augustine even went so far…
For God had something better in mind for us, so that (the saints) would not reach perfection without us. (Heb 11:40) Tomorrow is All Saints Day in the Western Church, and in the coming weeks the Armenian Church will celebrate All Saints in our own way. Of course, in our church the name for all Saints…