Last week we talked about how the ritual of the Kiss of Peace reveals and teaches us that God often touches and transforms our lives in the most profound ways through the ordinary people around us. This week we continue our journey as we switch the focus a little and examine how this ancient ritual […]

Every part of our ancient Badarak is special and important. But many of us probably also have their favorite parts – moments, hymns and prayers of Badarak we connect with on a deeper and more intimate level. For me, that special part of the Divine Liturgy is ‘Kreesdos ee mech’ – the kiss of peace. […]

There are hundreds of saints celebrated in the Armenian Church, but we can say with all certainty and confidence that Saint George is one the most venerated, loved and admired saints of all times for the Armenian Christians. Now, when we hear the name St. George, influenced by the common imagery of the saint, we […]

The Armenian legend of ‘Ara Geghetsik (Handsome) and Shamiram (Semiramis)’ dates back thousands of years and is survived to our days thanks to Movses Khorenatsi’s monumental work “The History of Armenia.” It is a beautiful tale of true patriotism and the tragic love of the Armenian King Ara and the Assyrian Queen Shamiram. The legend […]

Every work of art and every form and expression of human creativity is beautiful in its own way to people who understand and appreciate it. But ultimately, almost every work of art is the result of one individual’s creative labor and talent. Experiencing a live performance of a symphonic orchestra is something quite different. Yes, […]

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation” -2 Cor. 7:10 Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most recognizable and respected classical works. Often it is called and referred to as the saddest music ever created. The adagio came to be known as the international anthem for mourning and grief […]

“If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation.”  – 2 Corinthians 1:6 Philadelphia Magic Gardens is not your typical garden. There are no flowers anywhere, no green fields, fountains, or lakes. Rather, it is a series of mazes and rooms decorated […]

Dr. Brenda Davies is a prominent and respected psychiatrist who has written extensively on mental health and helped countless individuals navigate through some of the darkest days of their lives. But her professional training, experience and expertise could not possibly prepare her for an encounter with a patient so powerful and heartbreaking that she decided […]

Today as we celebrate the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, bless and distribute grapes in our churches, we also reflect on and explore the spiritual meaning and importance of the symbolism of grapes, vineyard and wine in the Holy Bible. The Old Testament often highlights the relationships of a gardener to his vineyard […]