“20 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT SAINT SAHAG”
We invite all of you to share your reflections as well!
You may submit them to info@saintsahag.org
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“20 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ST. SAHAG”
REFLECTION BY JUDITH SAVAGE DESTEIAN
“Barut’yun yev barut’yun in Armenian expresses what I like best about St Sahag, its kindness and benevolence. In 1979 I married into the Desteian family, one of the original Armenian families in Minnesota. I soon was immersed in their rich traditions, the cracking of eggs at Easter, Hayr Mer said in Armenian before family meals, and endless games of Tavlou. There was no Armenian church in Minnesota in 1979. ACOM held the only Armenian events, and its annual picnics were a delight with the smells of roasting shish kebobs combined with an array of salads and sweets. On rare occasions, the community held services at a borrowed Episcopal church, presided over by an Armenian priest from Wisconsin.
Over twenty years ago, John and I were invited to meet with Chacké and Steve Scallen, Massis Yeterian, and others to discuss forming an Armenian church. Subsequently, these early founders wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to this task and St Sahag became a reality. Our family was a recipient of their hard work.
What do I love about St Sahag? So many things, but mostly its barut’yun yev barut’yun, its kindness and benevolence. Fr Tadeos, Yn.Gayane and their children have especially embodied this welcoming energy. I was raised a Lutheran in my grandparent’s home, and church felt more like an obligation than a community. At St Sahag I was welcomed and enriched by their kindness and love of God as exemplified by Fr Tadeos. During one of his memorable candlelight Christmas services, his heartfelt exclamations that “Christ was born” evoked in me a decision to become a member of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox church. With Father’s instruction, I received chrismation and was accepted into St Sahag. Our grandson Massis was baptized there and St Sahag has become my spiritual home. I am grateful for the hard work of the Parish council, the friendliness of the parish, and the leadership and spiritual guidance of Fr Tadeos.”
Judith Savage Desteian
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“20 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ST. SAHAG”
REFLECTION BY Michele Byfield Angell
“What I love about Saint Sahag can be summarized in 3 big ideas: Connection to my Armenian heritage, her spirit and her community. Many who know me also know I didn’t grow up in the Armenian Church. My heritage was whispered to me as a youth and it all had one thing in common: Family. Listening to my mother speaking Armenian on the phone with her brother and the peals of laughter from them both. Our infrequent but memorable visits to my grandparents living in Istanbul, where my sister and I understood very little but we’re happy in the bosom of a big, loud and loving extended family. Lastly, what turned up on our dinner table every night was rarely (and thankfully) standard Midwest fare. I knew I was Armenian but I didn’t really know what it meant.
The expression “it’s in our blood” means more to me today than it ever has and it continues to grow. That curiosity is inherited. Practicing hospitality in all its forms is part of me and it brings me great joy. When I’m in church listening to Fr Tadeos sing the Badarak, I’m easily transported to an meditative place where I feel connected to all of my ancestors knowing that these heart rhythms and beautiful sounds are deeply mysterious and yet familiar. For me, it’s the mystery, the unknowable that is faith that keeps me coming back.
I’m honored to be a part of the leadership at Saint Sahag, thus cementing my connection to my heritage, expanded my awareness, nurtured friendships here and abroad, and deepened my belief that there are mysteries that none of us can truly understand without faith and love.
I can say without a doubt that my connection has been nurtured in a large part from the profound commitment to our community of Fr. Tadeos and his family. They lead by example. May we be blessed to sustain stability and growth for a new generation to be raised in the Saint Sahag Community and call her home.”
Michele Byfield Angell
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“20 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ST. SAHAG”
REFLECTION BY ALICIA SCHWARTZ
Growing up in the fabulous fifties in an Armenian Mission community currently celebrating its 80 year anniversary, life meant that you were part of the Armenian Church Community and, among other things, the church was part of you.
As a young child, I remember learning the little “Hye Em Yes” ditty and hearing all of the wonderful stories shared by our elders, who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide and came to know the joy of American freedom with a whole lot of Armenian values.
Leaving our hometown, our lifelong friends and most importantly a good part of our loving family was even more difficult than I had anticipated, giving me insight and great empathy for our countrymen and asylum seekers who flock to the US for a taste of freedom leaving behind all that is dear to them. As you may know “Minnesota Nice” isn’t always super welcoming.
Although I am basically a confident person, I was a bit apprehensive of coming to St. Sahag for the first time. Just like any ethnic group, Armenians can be “judge-y” and a bit “clique-y” on their way to being absolutely wonderful. You are instantly loved because you are Armenian, however, as in any new group that you join, you must prove yourself before you can be invited into people’s hearts and homes.
Much to my pleasant surprise, I was welcomed with open arms. I was invited to get togethers, new homes and a family’s naturalization and citizenship ceremony, followed by a celebratory get together.
My business background made me a sure candidate to partner with Father for church rentals. I have also been asked to join a committee. I feel happy that I am able to share the talents that God has first given me. Truly, the St. Sahag community has welcomed me without and has looked to me to discover what talents I may bring to the table.
If the truth be known, my very favorite part of St. Sahag, perhaps coming from my teaching background, and years at Hye Camp, are the many precious and precocious children in the community. Each child seems to have a definite idea of who they are and how they will contribute to our world. I know this because I have asked them. The children are the future of St. Sahag and I can see that the community makes every effort to lift them up, allowing them to participate as equals in God’s work at St. Sahag and beyond. The old saying is so true “It takes a village.”
Yes, the 20th Anniversary is a milestone for our community but in a way it’s only the beginning of our mission congregation of St. Sahag. Let’s continue to carry Jesus’ cross with joy and thanksgiving in any way we are able, remembering our past, with a keen eye on our future.
As goes the ditty that I learned so long ago…
Hye Em Yes
Hye Em Yes
Khatch Vartanun tonr yem yes!
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“20 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ST. SAHAG”