Guest Posted January 6, 2001 Report Share Posted January 6, 2001 PEOPLE OF FAITHBy Sheila McKenna NewsdayJan 6 2001 WHO: Rev. Vahan Hovhanessian, pastor of the Armenian Church ofthe Holy Martyrs in Bayside, the largest Armenian parish in NewYork City. BACKGROUND: Age 37; native of Baghdad, Iraq; B.S. in electricalengineering from the University of Baghdad; moved to the UnitedStates in 1986; master of divinity from St. Vladimir's OrthodoxTheological Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y.; ordained in 1990 inBaghdad; PhD in Biblical studies from Fordham University in 1998;former dean of St. Neress Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle. FOCUS: "My main passion is for witnessing to the gospel of Christ.I am doing my best to let the world know that Christianity is not aset of doctrines, rules and regulations-it is a way of living.Through the classrooms of academia you can teach data and doctrine,but in a parish you have a real setting where you can touchpeople's lives and let them be shaped by the gospel of Christ."CHALLENGE "To let people know that Christianity is not so much areligion but a love relationship with God...that God is not adictator who sits in heaven monitoring our sins, but a lovingfather who is with us while we are suffering, as well as when weare rejoicing." CONCERN: "Our kids are being shaped, formed and indoctrinated by aculture that is so vulgar and violent. And, I feel, the church hasfailed in being there. I say to my youth, give God a chance. Ifyou spend five hours on the Internet chatting, spend five minuteswith God a day. Let Him talk to you." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2001 Report Share Posted January 10, 2001 Indeed there is hope!A big smile is decorating my face ! God is within us and we could , and should, talk to Him and seek guidance from His wisdom! This is the role of the Church and its servants! Our Church has deviated , but I cannot blaim them too. I have to support it and with my actions drive it to proper directions! Orhneal e Asdvatdtz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2001 Report Share Posted January 10, 2001 Dear Raffi, That sounds good. I think one of the actions bringing them back is squeezing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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