Church in Armenia as a Latter-day Saint
As many of you know I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What exactly does that mean in the Armenian context? It's the same exact thing! One thing I love about the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it is the same gospel everywhere you go. God is a God of order and so, His church would be the same way. The way I practiced my faith back home by going to church on Sundays to take the sacrament and participate in either Sunday school or Relief Society is the same. I still pay my tithes and fast offerings. I also currently have a calling at church as the Relief Society's first counselor in our small branch. One small difference might be that as a Peace Corps volunteer, I do not actively go out and proselyte as I might have at home. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I cannot endorse any one religion to others. But I am allowed to practice my own beliefs, which I appreciate.
The LDS church is small in Armenia, but I'm grateful that it is here. Before coming I knew of 2 branches (congregations), but have since learned of several others and groups across the country. Most recently a small young single adult branch opened in Yerevan. I'm excited about this because it gives me a chance to meet and socialize with other people of my faith that are my age... well at least when I am able to visit Yerevan.
I have found immense comfort in being able to attend the local branch here in Vanadzor. As I slowly learn the language I am starting to better understand what is being said from the pulpit and during our lessons. Sometimes I'll ask for a member who is fluent in English to translate for me (either the missionaries, Seda Jan, or others). But even on days without the translation or when I don't catch every word that is being said I feel the spirit of the Lord and am grateful to be able to be in the His house.
There's one Sunday I remember after shortly arriving in Vanadzor that I didn't understand anything that was being said in the talk. But I felt inspired and pulled out my journal to start writing down my thoughts. The next speaker happened to be one of the mission president's counselors (who is American and needed to have his talk translated into Armenian). As he spoke he reiterated many of the thoughts that I had written down in my journal. It amazed me that even though I didn't understand most of what was said that Sunday directly, I was still taught and fed spiritually through the holy ghost who speaks beyond languages but directly to the heart.
A few people have asked me why I attend church, especially one that appears conservative and strict by today's standards. Honestly, after moving to a new country it would have been so easy to stop attending church. No one here knew who I was. My family would have no way of knowing if I attended or not. There is literally no extrinsic reason that would make me need to go. But the honest answer is that I love Jesus Christ and I want to be where He is. I want and need to take the sacrament weekly. I also find fulfillment in being able to learn more about Him, in keeping my covenants and being with my fellow saints. My church community has been a lifeline for me here in Armenia. I've found comfort in the consistency of the gospel messages and in the open arms of the members here. They welcomed me immediately and made me feel like part of their family. I love seeing the missionaries, and the members and am grateful for everything they have done for me. When you're far from home it's nice to have a piece of it with you and at church I feel like I am at home. Church has been a great way for me to integrate into the community because through the church I have met so many people.
Whether it's through Sunday service or game night I appreciate being able to gather with others in a comfortable setting. Occasionally some of the other volunteers have attended with me a church service or game night. They have commented on how lucky I am to have a community like this here in Armenia. I don't take it for granted and know that I am blessed. I've mentioned before that prior to joining the Peace Corps one of my concerns was that I wouldn't be able to attend church. I can't begin to explain how often I prayed, fasted, and even attended the temple pouring my heart out to the Lord asking that I would be able to attend church during my service. I am unable to express properly how grateful I am that my prayer was answered and that I was placed in an area where the church is present. I know that the Lord is aware of me.
Many people know that I am religious and that my faith is important to me. It is not something that I hide and am happy to talk about. I have been asked about how I feel about other religions and my thoughts when visiting their churches and monasteries here in Armenia. My answer to that is simple. I am grateful for the faith of other followers of Christ. I'm grateful that we both rejoice in Him and are free to practice our faith as we see fit. One of the 13 articles of faith we recite in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "We claim the privilege of worshipping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (Article of Faith, 11) Though I might believe differently than others, I am grateful to believe in what I do and want to offer the same respect to others. I have had a few opportunities to attend both the local Evangelical church here in Vanadzor and the Apostolic Armenian Church in Marmarashen. I am grateful to have visited and learned a little bit more about these faiths. One of the things I love about Armenia is its rich history in Christianity. I get excited when I see the different monasteries and churches and want to visit them all! I feel the spirit in places that invite the Savior and preach of him. Those are places I would like to be! I have honestly felt my testimony strengthened while here in Armenia and am grateful for the opportunities I am having.
I hope this blog helped clarify a few things and answered some of your questions about my faith journey while here in Armenia. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
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