10th Annual MLK Retreat

Registration is open for the 10th Annual MLK Retreat.

We invite you to register at this link: http://inhisshoes.org/MLK/MLK2013registration.html

The In His Shoes Annual MLK retreat takes place Saturday, January, 19, 2013 through Monday, January 21, 2013 in Big Bear, CA. 

Registration cost for 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, classes and supplies: $235/participant. Early registration is $175! Sign up before Christmas Day (12/25).

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Walking Against Violence

For more information on Datev Outreach

Standing Up to Domestic Violence

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian is giving his message to the participants of the walk last year on Feb 13.

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text by VERZHINE NIKOGHOSYAN, photo by VAHE SARGSYAN

Over the course of the year, there are many events within the Armenian community, but only a few of them address the real issues happening behind the closed doors of despair and shame: there are families who suffer domestic violence.

This was the main concern of the group consisted of volunteers that gathered together with the supervision of Rev. Fr Vazken Movsesian, the Priest of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church located in Glendale, California, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, to reach out and understand.

“The vision is two fold,” said Rev. Fr. Movsesian. “First it is to recognize that the problem is real, to bring awareness to the reality of domestic violence within the Armenian community. We can no longer ignore such tragedies. Second, the vision is to provide a solution. I firmly believe that that solution must be holistic – that is, it must include body, soul and mind. Our vision is nothing different than what Christ himself taught us – to heal the sick, to mend the brokenhearted and to proclaim the power of love over evil. What we are doing now is the first step in a bigger project to provide sanctuary, resources and empowerment to the members of our community who suffer domestic violence.”

The project was a long time coming. In 2009, Archbishop gave his consent to start the project on the diocesan level but the lack of funds held it back. The brutal murder of Zaruhi Petrosyan to the hands of her husband and mother-in-low was the last straw. Fr. Vazken and the Domestic Violence task force launched its beginning without any funds available whatsoever.

“We couldn’t wait any longer for anyone else, or for any more money. Even one case is too many and this was too many,” said Rev. Movsesian.

There is not only the case of Zaruhi Petrosyan, but unfortunately many others are affected with the same issue in the Armenian community.

“Sadly I can recall many cases of domestic violence. One specific case that has affected me personally, involved my own family,” said Dr. Anna Gasparian, a chiropractor by vocation who also is a committee member. “It breaks my heart to see my community suffer due to this epidemic. We are survivors and it upsets me to see domestic violence destroy morals and values that our ancestors bravely protected and passed on to us. We, Armenians, believe that family is holy. This belief and understanding has become distorted by the effects of domestic violence. It’s time to regain our vision and see families once again as holy,” she added.

The task force organized another domestic violence walk in the heart of Burbank and Glendale. Last year on Feb. 13, people marched the streets with candles to bring hope and light to those Armenian families that suffer, to raise awareness, under the slogan “Violence Hurts, Love Conquers.”

“One source in the District Attorney’s office (Los Angeles) said that she works with Armenian families who are involved in Domestic Violence, eight hours a day. Of those eight hours, she says the DA’s office prosecutes 2 cases a day,” said Rev. Fr. Movsesian. “This is of epidemic proportion. Furthermore, Armenians cling to a sense of “Amot,” shame. Yes, shame is part of the domestic violence equation in any demographic, but it is even more pronounced in the case of the Armenians. We don’t want to talk about things that are upsetting. We don’t want to air out our laundry in front of others for fear that they may think less of us. But in the end who is hurt?”

These are the main reasons that the domestic violence task force, supervised by Fr. Movsesian will hold its second awareness raising walk on Oct. 25. The purpose of the walk is to raise the issue on the surface where people can start acknowledging the problem and talking about it.

The walk will start at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church located at 632 W. Stocker St., where the participants will meet at 4 p.m. and walk towards the Diocesan headquarters in Burbank. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian will offer his word and a blessing for the participants of the walk. The future plans of the project will be unveiled and discussed with everyone.

As a result of this hard work the group will open a Domestic Violence Resource Center and the Archbishop Derderian was happy to provide the space in the diocese. Still the group needs funds to be able to start and continue this work.

“We haven’t raised any funds yet. We need $25,000 by January. Then our immediate first years’ budget is hovering around $200,000 for staff and facility. We’re hoping to raise that amount,” said Rev. Movsesian. The center is planned to be opened by Jan. of 2013 on the bottom floor of the Western Diocese headquarters.

“The walk will bring awareness to domestic violence,” said Dr. Gasparian. “There are individuals who care and most importantly the church cares for its children. The center will bring many positive changes to our community but what I am most fond of is that it will bring spiritual healing. For too many that are involved in domestic violence, it seems that there is no hope and no way to change their situation but there is. The center will provide recourses and solutions to individuals seeking help.”

The center will be a place of comfort and help for the victims of domestic violence. The Armenian community gathered once more to address the issue and there is a lot of work still needs to be done to restore the Armenian families and their value for the people who lost their hope.

Everyone is welcome to join the walk. For more information visit the website at datevoutreach.org.

Your Trusted Source for Armenian News
http://yerevanmagazine.com/walking-over-domestic-violence/

Team In Her Shoes - Walking Against Cancer

Congratulations Team In Her Shoes!! A group of us walked 39.3 miles over a 2-day period in Santa Barbara's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Our team raised over $33,000, surpassing our goal!! In total, the Avon Walk brought in over $4.7 million this year - much of which was distributed immediately at our Closing Ceremony to breast cancer organizations throughout the Southern California area to support the remarkable work they do; work that everyday brings us closer to a future without breast cancer. Check out photos and messages on our team page. And thank you to all of you who supported and encouraged us. We couldn't have done this without you! God Bless.

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Bringing Light to a Dark Subject

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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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

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!

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!”

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

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

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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