"Pray For Mama"

We have returned from our vacation in Greece, where we spent time relaxing on the beaches, exploring the sights, and bonding as a family. Last Sunday, we visited the Panagia Drossiani church on the Island of Naxos. This Byzantine church, dating back to the 6th century, is the oldest church on the island. Despite arriving at 10:00 AM hoping to attend Mass, we found the church empty except for a family—a grandmother, a young mother, and three children—selling handmade scarves. We bought a beautiful scarf before entering the church, and the grandmother joined us. I informed my wife and children that we would have a short service. We said Hayr Mer, sang Sourp Asdvadz, read the two scripture readings of the day, and sang Havadamk. As we finished our prayers and began to leave, the grandmother approached us, asking, "Orthodox?" I replied, "Yes, we are Armenian Orthodox." She then handed me a laminated card with an image of the Virgin Mary and a prayer on the back, telling me to "pray to mama." I was unsure if she was asking me to pray for her or encouraging me to seek the intercession of St. Mary, but her gesture was beautiful regardless. The most beautiful part of the experience, however, was the brief ten-minute prayer we shared to observe the sanctity of Sunday, helping us step out of the ordinary events of the world and into the sanctity of God.

During my absence last Sunday, my younger brother in Christ, Fr. Hovagim Panjarian, a member of the Cilician Brotherhood, celebrated the Mass and delivered a homily. 

Last Sunday's most exciting event was the Car Wash Fundraiser initiated by Mr. Haig Anastasian. It's impressive to see Haig, an active member of the Salt & Light Youth Ministry Group, and his friend Nick Yaziciyan, taking the initiative to create a fundraiser for Salt & Light. Through the generosity of our community, Haig and Nick raised over $1200.00 to support the ministry of Salt & Light. I am grateful to Haig and Nick for thinking of their church and supporting Salt & Light with their creative fundraising efforts.

​Prayerfully,