Youth Ministries Events

The rain didn't keep anyone away this Sunday as winners of the Writing competition were announced and awarded. A new expression was at the focus of the celebrations Congratulations to the winners who articulated the voice of a generation. The top prizes were an Apple Macbook®; Apple iPod®; along with gift cards to Abril Books, all furnished through a grant from the Jerry & Mariam Manoukian family. Authors of "The Other Side of Ararat," Mariam Manoukian and Elize Manoukian were on hand to make the presentation. (photograph: Authors Elize & Mariam Manoukian, the winners, Talar Kakilian, Tamar Barsoumian, Ari Filian, Marineh Yesayan, Nvard Baytaryan & Fr. Vazken)

A cure for depression: "Ten cures for depression are to go out and do something for someone else and repeat it nine times." - Martin Luther King Jr.

The 4th Annual Martin Luther King Retreat took off with song and praise at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. Dr. King was remembered with a special rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." But it wasn't until our members walked "in the shoes" of the gospel singers and joined a spectacular chorus of thanksgiving. Pictured to the left, Paul Karapetian and Anush Avejic prime the audience for Mike Geragos, who raised the roof with his unique brand of old-time Satchmo-pleasing gospel.

Sponsored by the In His Shoes Mission, the MLK retreat is a yearly event that brings together members for candid and open discussion about matters that are essential for growth as an organization. The House of Blues was the opening venue, with more of an introspective retreat taking place on Monday, the day of the national holiday. This year's theme was "A Direction from Prison: The Birmingham Letter." Programs focused on Dr. King's monumental critique of Christianity and the Church from a cell at Birmingham jail.

"Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust, " writes Dr. King as he notes the silence of "Christians" in the face of injustice. "But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning ..."

The words of Dr. King have been inspirational to the formation and development of the In His Shoes Mission and the annual retreat gives one more opportunity to assess and align the course of the program.

The Retreat took place at the Canyon Creek Recreational Area in Southern California. Download Flyer (pdf)

Annual elections took place at the St. Peter Armenian Church on Sunday, February 11. The new governing board for the ministry and parish officers were elected as part of regular business. Click here for results.

Journalist Hrant Dink Assassinated in Turkey

Read the Pastoral Letter from Abp. Barsamian

Pictures and story from Funeral

Listen to Fr. Vazken's Sermon: Persecuted for Righteousness (21 i 07, Armenian)

Hrant Dink, a writer and journalist, was one of the most prominent voices of Turkey's shrinking Armenian community. The 53-year-old editor of the Turkish-Armenian Newspaper Agos, was convicted in 2005 for writing about the Armenian Genocide on a charge of threatening nationalist by writing history and speaking the truth. He was among a group of writers charged under the controversial laws against insulting 'Turkishness.' He was threatened by nationalists and targeted by the courts of Turkey. Dink was gunned down outside his offices in Istanbul on January 19, 2007.

The news of Dink's murder has reverberated around the world where Armenian communities mourn the loss of a valiant defender of the truth. Demonstrations are being organized around the world. Check the links below for more information and join us for a special discussion of Dink's legacy on Wednesday, January 24 at 7:30 at the Youth Ministries' Center and on January 25 at USC - Fishbowl Chapel, 5PM.

Thanks to all of you who make the trek to the St. Peter Youth Ministries' Center to get your cheek swabbed. Over one hundred samples were delivered to the City of Hope and entered in the Bone Marrow Registry.

"All I want for Christmas is to be well." Its a wish that you don't hear in the malls and shopping centers. Its the wish that comes from the mouths of children in hospitals and sick beds all over. Its a powerful wish that demands a powerful answer - from us.

Steve Kechichian, pictured to the right, spent Christmas in the hospital - the City of Hope to be exact. He has leukemia. He has struggled with this dreaded disease since the age of seven. After extensive chemotherapy, Steve enjoyed a brief period where the cancer seemed to be in remission. Unfortunately, the cancer has returned and has now consumed 98% of his good blood cells. Steve is 12 years old. He began a new round of chemotherapy on December 20 and is aggressively fighting the cancer through Christmas and New Year.

The prayers of the community are with Steve and his father, Vahe, during this very critical time. A bone-marrow transplant will make a difference in Steve's case and therefore, we're calling on everyone to sign up with the National Marrow Donor Program. Thirty percent of all patients needing a bone marrow transplant will find a suitable donor within his or her family. The other 70% of patients rely on unrelated volunteer donors.

To a standing-room only crowd, the long-awaited murals at the Youth Ministries' Center were unveiled Christmas eve morning. "This is one of the nicest Christmas presents we could have asked for," said Bob Galustian, a member of the congregation as he and his family participated in the worship service. The mural which spans the 50 foot western wall of the building has been in the works for close to a year. Indeed, it's been a labor of love for artist Arpine Shahkhbandaryan, as she pulled the covers off of her creation.

The painting features angels, the saints Peter, Hripsime and Gayane and the Armenian Family walking with Christ.

This mural had a special commissioning and was funded by an assortment of donors at the church. It will serve as the centerpiece for the church which attracts thousands every week.

Check here for the full text of the sermon and explanation of the icons. Check the artists website for more: Art by Arpine

SCREAMERS - A MUST-FEEL

Internationally known director Carla Garapedian follows the rock band System of a Down as they tour Europe and the US pointing out the horrors of modern genocide that began in Armenia in 1915 up though Darfur today. Fr. Vazken & Varoujan Movsesian were invited to the early screening where they met with Garapedian as well as members of System of a Down. Along with other advocates for human rights and those expanding genocide awareness, the In His Shoes team viewed a documentary/movie which is a novel and fresh approach to the reoccurring problem that is hangs as a plague over humanity. "SCREAMERS is an urgent and vitally important new film that serves as a stirring call to action for a new generation... an extraordinary movie that dares to say... Never Again!" - Pete Hammond, Maxim

Screamers examines the history and politics of genocide in the 20th and 21st centuries. Through the System of a Down's personal campaign to stop all genocide, Pulitzer prize winner Samantha Power, survivors and whistleblowers, the film examines the Armenian genocide in 1915 and its links to the Holocaust, Rwanda, Bosnia, the Iraqi Kurds and today's genocide in Darfur. The film shows how successive Presidents and corporate interests have conspired to turn a blind eye to genocides as they are happening.

Screamers is in theaters now. Check your local listings. Links: Trailer LA Times Review 12/6/6 About the Film Read More

Photo: System's Serj Tankian with In His Shoes Varoujan Movsesian at movie premiere.

In His Shoes Activities highlighted at Montrose Parade

The Big Red Truck drove down the two-mile stretch of Honolulu Blvd. on Saturday, December 2, carrying a message of love from the In His Shoes Mission. "Transforming Hatred into Acts of Love" was the theme of the float which was graciously donated by Michael & Peggy Geragos. (Parade photos courtesy of Berj Djamian)

The season of Thanksgiving began early this year at the Youth Ministries' Center. Food collections are continuing through New Year. The first boxes of food supplies will be delivered to local families for Thanksgiving. A toy drive, benefiting children in Los Angeles County Children Shelters, begins next week. Pictured above are scenes from the Thanksgiving Eve distribution. Over 150 families were fed from the collection by the local Armenian community, walking "In His Shoes."

Coming up this month (mark your calendars):
- December 10 - Children's Memorial Service.
  Download Flyer Submit a Name
- December 17 - Sevana Zadoian Baptism - a celebration of community love. This baptism will take place during the Divine Liturgy in the sanctuary at the Youth Ministries' Center. It will be celebrated according to all the traditions and the Armenian Orthodox faith. This unique event will be webcast, check here for details on how to logon.
- December 21 - Collection of food and toys - distribution. Caroling in hospitals
- December 24 - Christmas eve service
- January 1 - Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese
- January 5 - Eve of Theophany services
- January 6 - Divine Liturgy and Water Blessing. Special guest preacher, Rev. Fr. Mark Weitzel, of the St. Mark Episcopal Church in Glendale.
- January 15 weekend - Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Retreat. Newberry Springs, California

THANKSGIVING: THE SPIRIT OF THANKS AND OF GIVING

DARFUR - CANNOT GO UNNOTICED! The grave situation in Darfur continues to dominate the work and focus of the In His Shoes Mission. Please take a moment to visit the Save Darfur and the Our Pledge sites to sign petitions during this Thanksgiving season. This is one genocide that can and must be stopped.

The Fr. Vazken Interviews, from 2001 - foundation for the IHS Movement

The Promo Video - 2004 - for In His Shoes (One of Us)

LATimes' Steve Lopez hears Prof. Dekmejian's loud and clear. Read (10/1/06)

Religious Liberties, the Face of Love, Earth's Greatest Enemy - In Theory

Genocide Writing Competition (for the Apple Laptop) is now closed. Winning entries to be announced.

Today it's happening in Darfur - Run if you can...

We invite you to take a walk in the shoes of others. In particular the people of Darfur, Rwanda, Cambodia, Germany and Armenia... the 20th century was one of the bloodiest periods of history because of Genocide - the organized and systematic annihilation of a group of people. It began in the early part of the century in Armenia and continued until the 1990's in Rwanda. Today, the new century brings with it the same, orchestrated type of mass killings - it the Genocide taking place in Darfur - the Western province of the Sudan. There's one difference in this Genocide - different from all the others that came before it - in that we can do something about it! The In His Shoes mission is built on the foundation that evil can be conquered through the power of the good. We invite you to our activities, services and events to be a part of this growing mission and movement. Contact us at info@inhisshoes.com (to the left: Pasadena Star News Cover 04.Nov.06 - Article)

"Between 1915 and 1918 there was more written in the NY Times about the Armenian Genocide than there has been about Darfur in the past few years. Yet, the world turned its head, shut its mouth, closed its eyes and ears. Let's not make the same mistake today. Darfur is a Genocide in the happening. Do something about it today. Walk - Run, if you can - in the shoes of these victims..." -Fr. Vazken Movsesian (Rally for Darfur, UC Irvine, September 2006)

In Memoriam: Harout Mekhdjian 1985-2006

It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform our members and visitors of the passing Harout Mekhdjian, in a motorcycle accident on November 5. Harout was 21 years old. He was a truly happy and caring person, loved by everyone. He served others through the church as a Deacon and through the Homenetmen Scouting program. He walked in the shoes of others by participating in our planned Famine.

On Sunday, November 12 at the In His Shoes Cavalcade of Steps a special requiem service was held in his honor. On December 10 – Children’s Memorial Service - will be dedicated to him. This is a big loss for our community. Please remember Harout's family in your prayers. (Harout's My-Space)

USC students Anna Grigoryan and Dolce Wang lived inside a Chevy Aveo for five days. They ate, slept, studied, blogged, partied and hosted events…all from a new, makeshift home. USC (the only campus from the west coast) competed against seven other schools across the nation. Thanks for all of you who voted for Anna & Dolce! Two cars will be given to the two winners. But both girls are donating their winnings to the educational opportunities of children in third world countries.

www.aveolivinlarge.com

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs AB2941 Divesting from Darfur!

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation divesting California from Darfur. This came after vigilant rallying and lobbying throughout the state. See Sudan Divestment Task Force for details. The In His Shoes mission was part of the effort - collecting signatures and rallying Armenian attention to a Genocide that should be stopped immediately!

Watch the historic signing and read Press Release

READ story in GNP

Since February 2003, the Sudanese government’s genocidal campaign in Darfur has claimed over 400,000 lives and driven two million people from their homes. Communities around the United States are mobilizing to stop the genocide in Darfur because we know that “never again” must not be an empty slogan, and that there is much more the United States can do to save Darfur.

Over the last weekend, scores of Armenians walked "in the shoes" of others by participating in Global Day for Darfur throughout the country. On September 17 in New York and San Francisco, thousands of voices came together at the Save Darfur Now: Voices to End Genocide rally and concert – which was one of the largest gatherings in the world for the Global Day for Darfur.

At the invitation of Jewish World Watch, Fr. Vazken participated in a "Caravan for Peace," which was held in Los Angeles on Sept. 15th, in which representatives of communities that have been victims of 20th-century genocides (Armenians, Jews, Rwandans, Cambodians, Kosovars, Darfur) visited with Consuls General of U.N. Security Council states to enlist their support for an international peacekeeping action.

Divesting - Thanks for signing... LA Times Editorial: 9/14/06

In May, Assembly Bill 2941 passed the CA Assembly 72-4, and made its way through the CA Senate.

Thursday, September 14, the Sudan Divestment Task Force presented Governor Schwarzenegger with over 4,000 postcards, signed by Californians from across the state. Academy Award Nominated Actor, Don Cheadle spoke at the rally and participated in the conference with the governor's staff.

Fr. Vazken represented In His Shoes at this meeting - delivering the postcards that were signed through the In His Shoes Mission. Read the letter delivered to Governor Schwarzenegger.

Key Facts about AB 2941

· Targets the worst offending companies in Sudan, companies who significantly aid the government of Sudan while providing minimal benefit to the country's disaffected.

· Safeguards balance the need to take action with the equally important need to preserve the health and returns of California's pension funds.

· Despite the government of Sudan’s indifference to political and diplomatic pressure, the regime has shown a historic positive response to economic pressure.

Drop us a note of support.

Lisa Kalustian speaks at Youth Ministries

We were pleased to welcome Lisa Kalustian, Chief Deputy for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, last Friday evening at the St. Peter Armenian Church & Youth Ministries' Center. The event focused on making a change through activism. Ms. Kalustian's comments and insights were appreciated by all who attended A Q&A session followed. Click here for more details & flyer.

Team "In Her Shoes" Completes Walk

39miles later, $3Million+ collected for Breast Cancer Aid

From Left to Right: Anita Papazian, Ani Burr, Anush Avejic and Susan Movsesian participated in the Avon walk for Breast Cancer. With over 1,000 participants in the Los Angeles area walk, they walked as team "in her shoes" this weekend! - remembering cancer victims and survivors.

Click here to find out how YOU can help!

The St. Peter Youth Ministries' Center was the site of the first annual Armenian Festival for the Glendale community. Young and old enjoyed a day of great food, games and company. Azad Der Bedrosian, event coordinator, remarked, "People from all over stopped by and were amazed at our sense of community in this little corner in Glendale...."

Bringing the message home, one of the event planners Suzie Shatarevyan said, "Its a privilege to serve our church." And so it was, as was evident by the attitudes of the young and energetic members of the church, who planned, executed and delivered a memorable afternoon.

by Antranig Dereyan (St. Mary Armenian Church, Livingston, NJ) and Jaclyn Tudor (St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Charlotte, NC) (pictured: conference participants with Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Abp. Khajag Barsamian)
It began just like any other morning session at a St. Nersess summer conference, but after a few minutes, it was clear that this morning’s topic would be unlike any other session of the week.
Participants of the St. Nersess Post High School “B” Session had the privilege of hearing Fr. Vazken Movsesian of St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Ministries (Glendale, CA), give a presentation about the Genocide--not the Armenian Genocide, but the Genocide that occurred in Rwanda ten years ago.
Mesmerized by the images appearing in Fr. Vazken's slideshow, the participants listened for more than an hour to details ... click here to read the entire story

Holding up a bunch of juicy grapes in one hand and some dried raisins in the other, Fr. Vazken challenged the audience to opt for a life that is robust and full of blessings, rather one that is dry and dead. His sermon developed analogizes for the metaphor of life lived on "the vine" (John 15).

It was the feast of the "Assumption of the Holy Mother of God" - one of the five major feast days of the Armenian Church - where St. Mary is remembered as the bearer of Life and Love. It was a chance for people to renew their commitment to 'bear love" through their deeds and actions. Glendale

California is home to one of the largest populations of Armenians outside of Armenia. It is here that St. Peter Armenian Church & Youth Ministries' Center is reaching out and making Christ real in the lives of the people. The community is reacting, as is evident by the large number of people attending this and other services organized at the church. Click here to hear Fr. Vazken's sermon from the feast (Armenian). Also: this week's Glendale Newspress commentary points to the spirit of giving found in the grape blessing ceremony.

Flashing across the electronic bulletin board at the Youth Ministries' Center were famous reference to war and peace. As people came into the sanctuary, Wednesday, the intent was clear - pray for peace. A special prayer service was dedicated to the Middle East, with a focus on Lebanon and Iraq. Deacon Dr. R. Hrair Dekmejian offered a homily which flowed over into a Q&A session. Dr. Dekmejian is professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California. Whether in Iraq, Lebanon, Iran or Sudan, the need for harmony and understanding has never been greater. The call for peace continues. Download a flyer for more info.

Exercise your conscience. The situation in the Middle East is worsening. The tragedy in Africa continues. We're looking for people who want more out of life than shopping in a mall. If you're ready to walk in the shoes of others, join us for rallies and support. Check out this week's Glendale Newspress where Fr. Vazken writes about the value of protest. Conflicts of Conscience

Power in Action: A group of Armenian Students @CHS raise awareness and money for Genocide relief in Darfur

Genocide-relief can be overwhelming. After all Genocide is beyond belief. Even the roughest and toughest of people will melt when confronted with the realities and stories of Genocide. But its always noteworthy when a group of people can rise to the occasion and take action against the odds. Such was the case recently at Calabasas High when a group of Armenian students got involved for Darfur aid. Read the story and thoughts of student, Sophia Armen. In His Shoes salutes the students at Calabasas for their actions. Click Here for story.

On the morning of June 29, we reached the goal of one million postcards to President Bush to take stronger action on behalf of the suffering people of Darfur! We've been working on this goal since the beginning of the year. In April, all of our cards were delivered to Washington DC by Fr. Tateos Abdalian (read below).

In a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) became the 999,999th and one-millionth postcard signers. Click here to read the details in a letter written by David Rubenstein of the Save Darfur Coalition.

We do not inherit the earth from our parents. We borrow it from our children.
"The earth is the common denominator for all traditions because it is tangible and yet very sacred. From the tiniest seedling to the largest mountain, all of nature reflects the splendor of God. Armenians have had the added responsibility..." Read Fr. Vazken's response to this week's question about the Environment in the Glendale Newspress

+April 27 - Man's Inhumanity to Man - Presentations and Discussions related to Rwanda & Darfur. More

Hasmik Hakobyan sends her most recent NLI report. Part of our outreach mission to Armenia, Hasmik updates us on the different activities taking place in the field of Christian education and preparing the next generation of leaders. Read here.(pictured to the right: Hasmik presents the Last Supper icon to Fr. Vazken)

She asked me, “Father, I give you this basket of peace to store love. I know that God loves the widows and orphans. Please remember us during your mass.” I made a promise that the basket would find its way to our altar where she, AVEGA and all the widows of Genocide would be remembered in our prayers...

The Sanctuary at the Youth Ministries' Center is getting a face lift with the addition of a mural. Artist Arpine Shakhbandaryan has designed a visual continuum of Armenian Christian history which will adorn the westward wall of the church. In the picture to the right, the artist paints the entrance angels. Donations are being accepted for the mural. Come by the church and see the progress of this unique artwork.

D R U M S D R U M S . . . We were featured on Al Gore's own Current TV . Check out the clip DRUM CIRCLE produced by Ari Macht.

The 30 Hour Famine is over and we're hovering around $70,000 (still counting and looking for a few more dollars). Forty young men and women got together for a 30 Hours - fasting, praying, and LEARNING about hunger in countries hit by the horrors of Genocide and disease. Under the direction of Fr. Vazken Movsesian, the annual planned famine met its goal of raising awareness and money for the hungry children of the world.

This year, the targeted area for aid is Darfur, where 10's of 10,000s are dying each month.

The Famine has now become a tradition at the Youth Ministries' Center and it draws people from all over to participate and make a difference in the lives of others. Azniv Ajemian, traveled from Fresno to be part of the event. Onnig Panossian left extra early Saturday morning, coming in from Diamond Bar, he made it in time before the lock down for 30 hours. Parents saw the value in having children learn this type of responsibility. Mr. Chavdarian not only brought his daughter Zarouhi but donated 40 beautiful finger-rings to the participants, to encourage them for their valiant gesture. And there were the supporters... Ivy Grashian who donated and also contacted her friends to do the same. Vartouhi Yaghlegian, watching the enthusiasm of her grand-niece, cooked up a luncheon making sure that all the proceeds from ticket sales went toward hunger relief. Azad Der Bedrosian brought his nephew to the fast and ended up

fasting with the group and raised the collection amount.

And then there's Richard Melikian, from Arizona. After reading our website, he called in and announced a matching fund up to $20,000! Mr. Melikian has been a long time activist for peace and justice in the third world. His contributions have been many and have inspired the work at our Youth Ministries Center. The fasters rose to the challenge. They were determined to collect the first $20,000!

By Saturday morning, this small group of young men and women, organized under the "IN HIS SHOES" banner had raised close to their goal. But it wasn't over there. At Sunday service, they broke their fast by participating in the Divine Liturgy. The first thing to enter their hungry bodies - to break the fast - was the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, as experienced in the Holy Eucharist. Fr. Vazken emphasized the power that was in them at that point - a power that could allow them to take

control of their lives and make a difference in the world. He compared the needs of children dying of hunger with the needs of Armenians in post-Genocide times.

The money collected during the Famine will be sent through World Vision to aid children dying in areas of Africa. Specifically, the money will aid children in Darfur, which is the site of a genocide in the works. It is important to make the connection between Armenians and ALL PEOPLE who travel the path of genocide. "Because we Armenians were the first people to experience Genocide, we have an obligation to be the first to reach out, to make noise and have the world focus on these barbaric acts," said Fr. Vazken. "When you realize that after Armenia (1915) there was the Holocaust, then Cambodia, then Ethiopia, then Rwanda and now Darfur, you realized that we as a human species have not evolved very well."

During the Famine the fasters had an opportunity to hear from many speakers who were invited to offer information and ideas for action. The list of speakers included local businessman, David Mgrublian (on Christian responsibility), Marthe Geiser from SHELTER, Becca Trost from Habitat for Humanity, Karen Peterson from Vitas Hospice, Christopher Armen, Esq. (on Truth in Media, peace and justice),

and Gabriel Stauring from Stop Genocide Now.

Throughout the Famine the participants constructed a painting "Love One Another" under the artistic direction of Anush Avejic. The painting is one of several annual art projects coordinated by Anush and displayed at the Youth Ministries' Center in Glendale. This year's project focuses on the Love Commandment as expressed in a multitude of languages.

The Famine had an early kick-off this year, when Ara Arzumanian took off to Wounded Knee South Dakota on February 18. During the week prior to the Famine, Ara blogged from the road. His journal and adventures were read by the fasters and is archived at his blogspot.

In the evening, the group came together in perfect harmony as they organized a Drum Circle, led by Varoujan Movsesian. Drumming a simple beat, he invited every participant to accent the beat uniquely but also in concert with all the others. It made for a perfect way to keep moving together as a group.

(Gregory was off this evening on baby duty!)

In church, organizers Hosanna Aroyan and Nayiri Gharibian made the presentation to the community of their achievement, to which Fr. Vazken awarded them with the IHS cross - the first order of service in the In His Shoes Mission. A wonderful breakfast was sponsored by Peggy & Mike Geragos and their morning crew.

This year's Famine comes to an end, only to leave the door open for more activities and events in the coming months to walk in the shoes of others who are hurting. Because of the growth experienced by In His Shoes in the last two years, it was necessary to host the famine in a larger facility. We thank the Azatyan family for offering us the use of the Friendly Adult Heath Care Center in Tujunga, and to Sonig Ashkharian for the arrangements there.

In His Shoes was created in response to acts of the 1915 Genocide perpetrated against the Armenian nation. In His Shoes believes that people who have suffered evil have a responsibility to others, especially those who share their plight. As such, In His Shoes organizes rallies, information programs and fund raisers for victims of inhumanity. Through a variety of programs individuals are challenged to stand and walk in the shoes of the downtrodden.

If you'd like to make a donation toward this year's famine, make a check payable to St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Ministries Center, 632 W. Stocker, Glendale, CA 91202.

In Theory - Comments on Religious topics, as presented in the Glendale Newspress. Read comments on the latest in the religious world. What's all the fuss over cartoons? Preaching in the Military? And what about Pat Robertson's 'curse'? Read it all here.

Bliss Unlimited, opened its doors to the shopping world in November in the Burbank Mall next to Macys (or is that Masis?) Its an outlet for young people to learn ETHICAL business skills while providing an unusual line of items that help those in developing countries. Visit Bliss - we're open during Mall hours and located on the lower level next to Macys.

Q: Is this what a Church should be doing? A: Yes. (In reference to what you read here on this site.)

Is it true? Can't believe we finished the last year with so much stuff happening. Visit the collage of archive stuff - All the events and activities, a click away.

"You see, the church is not a social club, although some people think it is. They get caught up in their exclusivism, and they feel that it’s a kind of social club with a thin veneer of religiosity, but the church is not a social club. The church is not an entertainment center, although some people think it is.

... Monkeys are to entertain, not preachers. But in the final analysis the church has a purpose. The church is dealing with man's ultimate concern. And therefore it has certain guidelines that it must follow." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (from Guidelines for a Constructive Church, Delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, on 5 June 1966)

The third annual Martin Luther King Retreat organized by the In His Shoes Mission took place in Newberry Springs, California, on the King Holiday weekend. This year's focus was "Understanding the power of non-violence in bringing change for yourself and the world." The teachings and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was studied under the direction of Fr. Vazken Movsesian. The group was the guest of Ron & Mary Ektarian, who opened their desert oasis to group. In the high desert, under spacious skies, with the wild peacocks and a calming lake, 30 members of the In His Shoes mission participated in what has become a tradition for the group. The philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr. has become a cornerstone to the type of outreach organized by the group. The In His Shoes mission is based on the social Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ.

On December 14, 2005, an Armenian film crew on the Nakhichevan border documented the systematic destruction of the historic Armenian cemetery and stone crosses (khatchkars) in the Djulfa region of southern Nakhichevan. Watch the devastating 12 minute video

A new recording of Komitas Vardapet's Divine Liturgy has been released this month by the Los Angeles based Armenian Arts organization. The recording is unprecedented in the history of Armenian music as it features the music of the Divine Liturgy performed completely on duduk by world-renowned Winds of Passion. Read more.