Message of Fr. Vazken Movsesian,
parish priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino,
from the Nakhagoch Newsletter.
Electronic version archived on:
SAIN-- St. Andrew Information Network
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c. 1992 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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November 1992
An Early Christmas Gift
A few weeks ago, a young man came to see me at the church office.
He was tall, blond haired and didn't resemble much of an Armenian.
It was therefore surprising to hear him say that he was going to
spend two-and-a-half years in Armenia! His name
is Dan Hastings. He is a volunteer with the Peace Corps.
The following Sunday he came to church, sat through the Divine
Liturgy and met with many of our parishioners. We exchanged
thoughts, advice and well wishes. Dan's compassion, along with his
willingness to share with others is inspiring and should
serve as an example to all of us Ñ change is possible when we're
willing to commit ourselves.
Below is an excerpt of a letter sent by Dan to our church. It is
moving and I print it here with the hopes that it will put us in
the "true Christmas spirit." We wish Dan the best during his
travels and his work in Armenia. Please join me,
remembering in prayer, him and all others who selflessly give of
themselves for others.
Fr. Vazken
Dear Friends:
I cannot leave my home and close circle of friends without
somehow thanking all for the support you've graciously showed me
throughout the Peace Corps process.
As I roamed the empty hallways of my wonderful home last night, I
began to reminisce about the happiness spent here. Yes, some tears
were shed, which didn't surprise me, for they were telling a
sublime story. They reminded me that sometimes we take
things for granted which come our way: good family, good
schooling, fun trips, to name just a few. And this is natural in a
world where there's so much occupying our attention all the time.
But last night also was different, it was special; alone,
all around me, I breathed all the good fortune I've been blessed
with so far and I granted none of it to haphazard circumstances.
No, I felt something inside me far greater than just "luck."
People in my life, my parents, my siblings, close friends and
even random acquaintances have maybe unwittingly to them
invested in me and my growth. They have taught me, they have
shared with me, they have shown the great quality of compassion
and companionship, and they have inspired me. In essence, everyone
along the way holds a "share" in my being; I am a sum of all these
precious ingredients, when it comes right down to it. "Why me?" I
ask. Why not invest in some other person besides
myself? We cannot know, I guess. But we can conjecture.
I would like to think that it's because so many dog-gone people
who really care about others surround me. And this caring comes
from their roots, from others who cared for them. As such, I am an
extension of a long human chain of those who have
cared chain so strong it links cannot be easily broken.
As I leave here for Armenia to serve others, I think about that
chain and my part in it. I know what power it holds, and I know
what blessings it has spawned. In my heart, I know it will
continue to grow through me and beyond me, helping others
less fortunate, who in turn will aid others on down the line.
So, to all of you, the links and co-constructors of this
incredible chain, I recognize you and your unique contribution to
my journey to the chain-strengthening saga ahead. I'll carry your
memory and your formidable bonds with me as I go.
To all those in the church, thanks for everything! I appreciate
it!
Daniel Hastings
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c. 1992 Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Address comments to: dervaz@sain.org
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