In this complicated world where conflict and confusion often seem to reign, it is the simple acts of kindness, caring and compassion that become so invaluable in an individual’s life. During this past year of celebrations of the 50^th anniversary of Holy Martyrs Church, a new ministry, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, was launched. The two basic qualities necessary to participate in it were nimble hands and a full heart.  Many of our parishioners answered the call, with the result that in October 2008, 50 beautiful hand-crocheted and hand-knitted shawls and blankets were presented to our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers who reside at The Armenian Home in Flushing, New York. It was a very touching and indeed “warm” moment for both the residents of The Home and those representing all the parish women who spent months fashioning these beautiful items with prayer and love.

The concept of a prayer shawl ministry, however, is not unique to Holy Martyrs. Such ministries have been practiced in diverse church communities over the past few decades.   Details of each may vary, but the fundamental principles are the same: as participants work, they pray for the spiritual, as well as physical, comfort and well-being of those who will receive their shawl. It is a spiritual ministry that seeks to encourage, soothe, calm, and lighten the burdens that another may be experiencing. At the same time, this giving act can have similar, positive effects on the maker as well.

If one thinks about the underlying nature of the prayer shawl ministry, it can be considered as an expression of the teachings of Jesus Christ where He instructs each of us to love one another, to be concerned for others, and to help all those who are in the throes of difficulties, those who feel despair and hopelessness, those who feel lost and isolated.  We are to show concern for our family members and friends, as well as strangers we are to let them know that someone does care for them that they are not alone even though they may feel that way.

And so through the loving handiwork of our parishioners, these concepts were made concrete. On October 5, 2008, following Badarak, Fr. Vahan blessed the 50 shawls in a special service in our church sanctuary. Among those present at this service of blessing were Aggie Ellian, executive director of The Armenian Home, accompanied by two residents of The Home, Rose Hartunian, chair of the Women’s Guild, and Carol Loshigian who was instrumental in organizing the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Holy Martyrs as an outgrowth of a Women’s Guild Outreach Committee project.

The following Thursday, amid much excitement and delight, a shawl or blanket was presented to each resident of The Home. Residents were asked color and style preferences and, as far as was possible, they were met. Fr. Vahan spoke briefly and then turned the microphone over to Rose Hartunian, Carol Loshigian, and Aggie Ellian. A complement of women from the Women’s Guild attended, including Veronique Kanburyan who, incidentally, had completed the most number of shawls. When asked how many that was, she modestly responded, “Oh, I really don’t remember.”

It was extremely heartening to see the various reactions upon receipt of a shawl or blanket (the men received a lap or bed blanket). One woman looked like an elegant Flamenco dancer as she sported her ornately crafted shawl another clutched hers saying that she’d keep it for the cold weather soon to come. Two very poignant moments occurred during the distribution of the shawls: one resident asked for a second shawl because her sister, also a resident, was too ill to be present a mother asked for a second shawl, one for her daughter who was also a resident of The Home but who at the time was in the hospital.

The themes of caring and comfort and encouragement and of being enveloped and embraced in God’s love abounded that day. And they were thoughtfully reflected in the note attached to each shawl, which read:

            Dear Friend,

            With this prayer shawl, may you be wrapped in the warmth of

God’s love and take comfort in knowing there is someone who cares

for you. Each stitch is a little prayer for your well-being. May it lift

your spirits, ease your troubles, and bring you pleasure.

                                                  With love in Christ,

                                                 Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs,

                                                 Outreach

Thus, the inaugural phase of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Holy Martyrs has been successfully launched. This ministry is an ongoing ministry that we hope will grow and flourish, incorporating both new ideas and hands to implement them. So, if you have talented fingers and a generous heart and wish to participate, you will be most welcome!