Thaddeus & Bartholomew – “Key” Message
Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 4 December 2011
Thaddeus and Bartholomew were two men that walked with our Lord Jesus Christ. They spent three years in the company of Jesus, experiencing His love and compassion; hearing his words and pondering the deeper meanings of life. These men, along with 9 others, were commissioned (see Matthew 28) to spread the Gospel Message throughout the world.
They were instructed to leave everything behind, to give their all for this ministry.
In was some 8 years after the Resurrection of Jesus, that Thaddeus arrived in Armenia. Bartholomew came about 4-5 years later. It was in Armenia where they preached the Gospel, converted lives to Christ, and actively engaged in Christian charity. In Armenia, they ordained the next generation of clergy – bishops, priests and deacons – to continue their work after their death. It is for this reason, that the Armenian Church is referred to as “Apostolic” – founded by Christ, structured by the Apostles and commissioned to do the Work of God. This weekend, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew. In this commemoration we recognize that we have been given a treasure in our Apostolic church. The work we do at our parish is in line with the social gospel of charity that the apostles taught and practiced. Each of us, therefore, receives a portion of the responsibility to continue and carry on the great com-mission of Christ. On this Sunday of Advent, let the memory of the Holy Apostles Thaddeus & Bartholomew stir the best in each of us, as we fulfill our Christian responsibilities.
~ Fr. Vazken
This message is elaborated on the Armodoxy Channel: Youtube.com/armodoxy
*The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16) At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians…
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