The Diocese
Posted: 10/23/2020
Dear Friends,
As friends and supporters of In His Shoes, you know well that our ministry is based on transferring our grief into opportunities to serve communities affected by evil. From Darfur to the Sudan we have stood in solidarity with those who are persecuted. From Indonesia to Ethiopia we have collected money and supplies for those ravaged by natural disasters. At Standing Rock and at San Quentin we have shared our voice with those tormented by injustice and traveled to countries to provide physical and moral support for the "least of our brothers and sisters." Since 2003, we have tried to walk "In the Shoes" of the suffering where ever in the world we have heard a cry. Now, today, the suffering of the people of Artsakh and Armenia demands the attention of the world and the world is silent.
The news came a month ago when Azerbaijan began a full scale attack on Artsakh. Quickly the obvious became apparent: Turkey is calling shots and the 1915 plan for Genocide is being resuscitated. The not-so-obvious also is becoming apparent, such as Israel's involvement in the supplying of weapons to the Azeris.
Involvement: Politically, Financially, Spiritually
From the first day of the war, Armenians have united throughout the world against this evil. We've organized protests and demonstrations. People are involved politically - see the directives at ANCA website and at Armenian Assembly websites, and on their social media pages. Financially, people are finding innovative ways to keep funds flowing and donating through The Armenia Fund. I'm writing to you today to share with you some means for spiritual involvement.
As we are witnessing, our troops on the front line are spiritually-charged by their Christian faith. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese, has been at the forefront of engaging with the government and religious leaders of the world, and has fundraised millions of dollars for the Armenia Fund. But before all else, he has created opportunities for prayer. We have prayer services in the Cathedral, in churches and on-line for people to find the comfort and strength that comes only from God. In accord with Jesus' words that certain evils can only "come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." we are organizing a three day Fast for Artsakh commencing tomorrow, October 23.
Below, we're sending a couple of our video files for you to share with friends. The sermon at the Cathedral was delivered at the onset of the war. The WD-168 episode that appears was primarily for non-Armenian audiences and has gone viral on the internet. Please remember that our weekly podcasts "The Next Step" continue with a focus on applying our faith in the world today.
On Sunday, October 4, 2020, Fr. Vazken Movsesian delivered the sermon at St. Leon Srbots Ghevontyants Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. His sermon was a call to get involved in Artsakh and Armenia. Video begins with sermon in Armenian. English language segment begins at minute 13:15 Archbishop Hovnan Derderian's announcement at minute 18:25
Walking in-his-shoes is a philosophy of life, of feeling the pain of others. It is actualized on multiple levels. Thank you for walking in the shoes of others and today, for taking this walk with our brothers and sisters in Artsakh and Armenia as they face a battle of life and death.
I look forward to seeing you on-line at our website and on our socials.
With Love and for Peace in Armenia Now and Forever,
Fr. Vazken Movsesian
