In many ways, deacons are the conductors of liturgy. Their proclamations set the spiritual atmosphere and tone of the liturgy. They provide mental and spiritual guidance on when to pray and for what to pray -“Yev yevus khaghaghootyan uzDer aghachestzook” (again in peace let us beseech the Lord), and they also guide our physical posture, […]

During the Palestinian uprising of 1980s, a small village near Bethlehem refused to pay its taxes to Israel claiming that by paying they would be financing the occupation of their own land and country. The army retaliated by confiscating all the animals from the villagers and placing them in a large barbed-wire pen. Few days […]

Dostoevsky’s writings have always been a source of inspiration for me. He is an author who I came to appreciate and respect more over time. Dostoevsky is an author who recognizes the depth of darkness in the human soul but also sees holiness and hope in it. He is a writer who fully recognizes the […]

The covid-19 pandemic and the lifestyle changes and restrictions associated with it deeply impact us, our plans, freedom and alter our lives on every level. Suddenly, we realize that there is a form of pain that is universal, affecting everyone. We are reminded just how fragile life is and how vulnerable our bodies are. There […]

  “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” – Num. 23:19 Today’s Gospel reading echoes our Lord’s precious and timeless promise of the Heavenly Kingdom for those who embrace faith and […]

Change is part of life all around us. Change is the divine, mother force that creates, shapes and sustains the physical world we live in from the distant and giant galaxies to microscopic life forms around us. What is our attitude towards change? Could it be the defining factor explaining the circumstances of our past […]

The French revolution inspired Beethoven, the young revolutionary leader Napoleon captivated his imagination, earned his adoration and gave him hope for fundamental and positive transformation to a better world. It appeared that democracy for Europe was within reach. Unfortunately, it all came to an end for Beethoven when Napoleon, who was called to fight the […]

In the Armenian Institute of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran there is a peculiar and precious manuscript kept under the number N6288. It is better known as the Gospel of Haghpat. It was created in 1211 A.D. in the monastery of Haghpat by the request of Ani resident Sahak. Once completed the manuscript was taken to Ani […]

One of the characters of Bill Watterson’s comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” is a stuffed tiger named Hobbes. Hobbes takes on lifelike proportions when he is alone with a six-year-old Calvin. In one of the stories Hobbes asks Calvin what he is doing for his New Year’s resolution. Calvin responds that he did not make […]