In His Shoes News

Bringing Light to a Dark Subject

noreply@blogger.com (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Today our feet are walking in the shoes of victims and families of victims of domestic violence.

It's the disease no one wants to talk about, but everyone likes to discuss when "celebs" like Chris Brown are involved. Sadly, Whitney Houston dies. We remember she was a victim of DV, but in the end, its still quiet on the Western Front - as violence continues to rule the way of the the world.

Here is a press release from a recent walk against Domestic Violence we took within the framework of the Western Diocese - addressing the issue in the Armenian world. It's one part of a larger problem - but still, we've taken the first steps.
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Blessings for the Family
Diocesan Task Force targets Domestic Violence with Walk and Service

Burbank, California – In the West its known as Valentine’s Day, but if you celebrate Christmas on January 6, as do the Armenians, February 14 is the Feast of the Presentation of Christ – 40 days after Christmas.

By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, this day has been dedicated to young couples and families. And so, over 500 people, representing families in all stages of life, gathered at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on the eve of the feast to participate in a unique ritual that celebrates the strength of the family. It was also an evening to focus a matter that hurts families and is too often hid and forgotten.

In response to the alarming problem of domestic violence His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese, formed a task force in September 2011. Father Vazken Movsesian was appointed to head the group and develop programs that would not only heighten awareness of the problem, but also provide sanctuary, spiritual counseling and healing to victims and families.

The first event of the Task Force took place on the feast of Presentation with a 8.8K Walk from the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale to the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank. Over 60 walkers, ages 8 to 80, took to the streets under the banner, “Violence Hurts; Love Conquers.” Cars honked in solidarity while walkers discussed and explained domestic violence to people along the route. Officer John Gilkerson of the Glendale Police Department joined the walk to demonstrate the importance of cooperation from the department and the City. Priests, lawyers, artists, mechanics, construction workers, nurses were all there – each of them a testament that Domestic Violence hurts everyone, from all walks of life.

At the St. Leon Cathedral the walkers arrived singing Armenian church hymns. In the sanctuary, the clergy of the Western Diocese led the prayers for the Presentation.

Archbishop Derderian welcomed the walkers and emphasized the importance and seriousness of the evening, as a time for introspection and strengthening of the family. His Eminence is known for tackling some of the large social problems within the community, and this evening proved to be an example of his dedication and passion for making the Church real in the life of the community. The church was filled to capacity with overflow in the courtyard.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian addressed the congregation by explaining the work of the Task Force. The number of reported Domestic Violence cases has escalated in recent years. Fr. Vazken admitted that he was not moved by the statistics because, “One case, is too many.” He noted stories of Whitney Houston and Chris Brown at the Grammys, that were headlining the news that same evening. He therefore challenged the Armenian community to come “Into the Light” and talk openly about Domestic Violence. He further introduced the walkers – some who represented dead victims of violence, daughters, mothers, and recounting stories of families and victims that had become all too personal for him.

At the end of his speech, Fr. Vazken called upon artist Gregory Beylerian to present a specially created icon to Archbishop Derderian. The Mother-and-Child icon donned halos above their heads to reflect power of Christ, that “Violence Hurts; Love Heals.” Artist Beylerian, who also walked with the group from Glendale, made the presentation to the applause of the congregation.

Mashdots Jobanian, Director of Christian Education for the Western Diocese, and member of the Task Force, was called upon to deliver the message of the Day. He spoke about the power of Love over all evil. Quoting from Corinthians 13, recounted St. Paul’s words that all of our efforts and activities mean nothing if they are absent of love. He used the occasion to invite families, husbands/wives, to recommit to one another in the power of Love. The Holy Spirit was at work in the Cathedral as every word brought a new message of hope for the victims and their families and gave an invitation to families to find God’s love in their families.

Domestic Violence is a real problem within the community. Unfortunately, this type of violence is accompanied by guilt on the part of the victim and many times is kept in the dark. This evening brought the topic to forum. It was a first step in battling the problem. According to Fr. Vazken, “We have an incredible weapon to fight evil, it is the Power of Love. We are the Church – the Body of Christ and therefore, we’re here to bring awareness, offer sanctuary, empower families with knowledge and heal the hurt.”

The Archbishop blessed the congregation, especially the families, the newlyweds and their children. In procession, the entire congregation went to the courtyard where St. Leon parish priest, Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, brought a ceremonial flame off of the holy altar as a symbol of Christ’s Light. Archbishop Derderian lit a bonfire around which the people congregated that evening, to celebrate the power of love, family and God.

The Domestic Violence Task Force accepted sign-ups that evening for people interested in helping in this effort. A commitment of time and energy is required. For more information call the Western Diocese 818.558.7474 or write to info@inhisshoes.org. Copies of the icon of Mother and Child are made available by the artist for $100 each with proceeds benefitting the Domestic Violence Task Force.

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noreply@blogger.com (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Press Release – 1/26/12

8.8K Walk for the Strength and Stability of the Family – Glendale to Burbank
February 13, 2012 on the Day of the Lord’s Presentation (Diaruntarch)

To Heal the Pain and Grow in Love

In an effort to bring awareness and end the problem of domestic violence, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church is organizing a candlelight march and vigil on Monday, February 13, 2012. Under the auspices of Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a task force was organized last Fall to actively address domestic violence issues within the community. The task force operates under the leadership of Fr. Vazken Movsesian, who runs various outreach programs through the “In His Shoes” mission at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale.

“The Armenian Church must be seen as a compassionate and safe haven for the abused,” said Archbishop Derderian. “At the same time, the Church must educate the community about responsible living, with dignity and respect for all. Spouses have obligations and responsibilities to each other and to their children. These responsibilities are ordained by God.”

The first activity of the Domestic Violence Task Force is a walk which takes place on the feast of the Dedication of Jesus Christ (Diaruntarch) on February 13. Walkers will assemble at the St. Peter Armenian Church, 632 W. Stocker St., Glendale, CA, at 4:00PM and walk to the St. Leon Cathedral, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank. They will walk under the banner “Violence Hurts; Love Conquers” to bring attention to the problem of domestic violence that often goes unreported because of cultural stigmas.

At the St. Leon Cathedral, a special dedication service begins at 6:30. The scriptural theme of the evening (Luke 2:22) reflects about the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child. Fr. Vazken Movsesian explains, “It’s about responsibility to the family. In very basic terms, Joseph’s wife Mary tells him that she’s pregnant and that he is not the child’s father. Yet, Joseph feels the responsibility to his wife and his adopted Son, taking care of both, fully and completely. Is there a better example than this, for husbands and fathers?”

One of the goals of the Domestic Violence Task Force has been to give spiritual direction to families. The Armenian Church has always been there for Her children, during their happy and sad times. “The Church is the caring, loving and compassionate representative of Christ on earth,” says Fr. Vazken, “And so, the Church has a very special and unique approach toward building family unity. Our Task Force is working on awareness, help and healing, because violence hurts, and only love can heal.”

The Archbishop will receive the walkers and the congregation at the St. Leon Cathedral. There he will offer his message and a very special blessing to the Armenian couples and families. This is an evening for families to come together and grow in Love and Spirit. Archbishop Derderian, invites all of the faithful to join in the walk and/or attend the special service that evening at the St. Leon Cathedral. It will be an unforgettable opportunity to heal the pain, to grow in love.

Following the services, those interested in helping and participating in the work of the Domestic Violence Task Force may sign up for volunteer positions on phone lines and working with families through the various programs established through this effort.

In brief:

4PM – Walk begins at St. Peter, Glendale 632 W. Stocker. Walkers will be given identifying bandanas and water. The walk is 8.8K (5.5 miles) – flat surface/city streets. The route is Glenoaks Blvd. at Concord to the St. Leon Cathedral at 3325 N. Glenoaks. Follow “In His Shoes” on Twitter to join the walkers at different points along the route.
6:30PM – Service at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, 3325 N. Glenoaks, Burbank. Evening service of the Armenian Church by the Diocesan clergy, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presiding.
7:00PM – Special message to the walkers and the blessing of the families in the church.
7:30PM – Outdoor activity and sign ups in the courtyard of the Cathedral.
Following the service/activities - return transportation to St. Peter, Glendale will be provided.

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9th Annual MLK Retreat - preparing for #10

noreply@blogger.com (Fr. Vazken Movsesian) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:04:00 +0000

The Hike!

The 9th Annual In His Shoes / Martin Luther King Gathering took place at Deukmejian Wilderness Park on the Martin Luther King Holiday, January 16, 2012.

Participants were treated to some early morning coffee and pastries before embarking on a journey to the clouds. The mountain top was out of sight because of low-lying clouds, but this did not deter the hikers from making the trek to the end of the trail.

The Deukmejian Wilderness Park has an assortment of trails that lend themselves to a retreat-like atmosphere. After descending from the hill, the participants pondered over the words of the late, great Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by reading his prolific "The American Dream" sermon.

The gathering organizer, Suzie Shatarevyan, commented that, "This was one of our more cozy gatherings. The insight on Dr. King's message of non-violence is inspiring and moves us live up to higher standards of life." Indeed, the participants all agreed that the hike/discussion had recharged their batteries and are ready to take on the challenges of the day.

Following the gathering, plans were already underway for a spectacular 10th Anniversary Retreat, next year. Mark your calendars!

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Team In Her Shoes Fundraiser a Huge Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie Shatarevyan) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:04:00 +0000

In Her Shoes Team members (most of them)

On Sunday, January 15, 2012, Team In Her Shoes hosted its first team fundraiser at Shanto's Bakery in La Crescenta. Hundreds of family members and friends turned out to support the team. The turnout was so huge, that the bakery ran out of dough before the end of the day!
In September, 20 members of Team In Her Shoes will be walking 39.3 miles in Santa Barbara in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Each participant has a fundraising minimum of $1,800 and as a team has to raise $36,000. Please visit the team's page to donate. We're in it to end it!

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In His Shoes Annual MLK Event - “The Hike!”

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie Shatarevyan) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:25:00 +0000

As part of the In His Shoes Annual Martin Luther King Retreat, this year we're organizing a Hike at Deukmejian Wilderness Park. The hike will take place on Monday, January 16, 2012. Meeting time is 9AM for Check-in and light refreshments. At 10AM we'll begin the hike.

There is a registration fee of $15/person to cover the cost of morning refreshments and Lunch. Please bring Cash with you or make check payable to St Peter Armenian Church.

We'll also be spending part of the morning/afternoon singing hymns, reading, reflecting, discussing, and having a vesper service. The day's program will come to a close around 4pm.

To participate, you must register in advance at this link: http://inhisshoes.org/MLK/MLK2012registration.html

Registration Deadline: Friday, January 13, 2012.

Also, find this event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/267987833260845/

All are welcome to register and participate!

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Team In Her Shoes Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie Shatarevyan) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:25:00 +0000

Team In Her Shoes is hosting its first team fundraiser at Shanto's Bakery in La Crescenta. The fundraiser will take place on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 1- 6 p.m. Please bring a printed flyer to present with your food purchase. You can download a copy of the flyer from this link: http://inhisshoes.org/flyers/shantos%20bakery%20white.pdf We will get 20% of your purchases for our team! Take out orders are included !
Please plan on being there with us for the duration of the fundraiser if you can. Grab your families and friends and show your support.
All funds will go toward our team fundraising goal as we prepare to walk 39 miles in 2 days during the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara - September 2012!

You can RSVP on our FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/212578262159663/

Read the January Newsletter for more dates and other information!

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Happy New Year! - In Step with Christ # 50

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie Shatarevyan) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:50:00 +0000

Episode 50 - In Step with Christ by Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Originally aired: January 1, 2012 - Diocesan Television

Happy New Year! Making changes in the New Year - both today and every day. Placing new wine in new wineskins.

View all IN STEP WITH CHRIST episode's on the Armodoxy Channel: http://www.youtube.com/armodoxy

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Christmas Eve Service

noreply@blogger.com (Suzie Shatarevyan) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:07:00 +0000

Saturday, December 24 @ 7PM was our annual Christmas Eve Service at St Peter Armenian Church. The service included carols, scriptures and prayers. We also saw the Holy Family, complete with Angels, Shepherds, and The Three Wise Men. This was a beautiful service and an annual tradition at our church!

Pictures from the service can be viewed here.

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