On the Mission of the Church

We're going to take a spin through faith and spirituality and the application of the modern day taboo: RELEGION. So join me – let’s push the envelope and explore the why’s and how’s of Armenian Orthodoxy in our everyday lives.

For those who know me, I’m a jump right into it kind of gal. I’ve been marinating for the past few days. Let’s get real. We are a Church. The Armenian Church dunked and soaked in Armenian Orthodoxy. So as a church – As the living body of Christ….WHERE ARE WE? WHAT ARE WE DOING? AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?

I recently read an article by an Armenian priest Rev. Arnak Kasparian – How can we suvive in America? It’s a good piece – he makes some great points about the church’s position in making it inclusive and embraced by all Armenians and non-Armenians. But people – let’s face it – are we failing? As a church have we accepted the status quo? Have we left this beautiful church – full of treasures, meaning and most importantly the magic LOVE juice and left her withering?

MY ANSWER: No. But we’re close.

As the church – as that living body of Christ – we’ve got to make some serious moves. We build churches, we hold banquets and picnics and debutant balls. We throw our energy into raising funds for concrete. Here is the shift. It’s a very simple one. Act on the injustices all around us and we’re in business.
As the church we need to open our eyes and ears and mouths and stand up against: OPPRESSION – INEQUALITY – POVERTY – TORTURE – GENOCIDE – WAR – HUNGER
Why else are we here? If not to bring peace? That is when we work together as the true church. That is when we do our work. We take this beautiful faith – this yes, hold on for your life here – this RELEGION and make it work for all mankind. When we use it as our sword and armor. When we stand up for the people who cannot stand up for themselves.

I urge you all to stay passionate. Stay open. Stay alive and connected because then and only then will you have the strength to do the real work. The work that no government, no wall street, no military can do.