Resources - The Call
Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian
Director of Youth & Vocations
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
Director of Youth & Vocations
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
A week before my ordination to the Holy Priesthood in February 1996, as I thought about what I would offer as a gift for those who were present for that special weekend, I put pen to paper — something I do often when there are important things in my life that I want to express. This poem reflects my thanks to all those people, parishioners, communities, family members and friends who were instrumental in cultivating my call and desire to become a priest. It also serves to encourage those who read the poem to pursue God's call for them in their lives.
Come follow me The voice on high proclaimed For those to listen — for those to choose A path to follow, a path forever. The heavenly voice, mankind has heard Through both Divine intercession And earthly manifestation. The call To disciples, apostles, men and women -- Has come from Heaven above, to one, and one of many, An unworthy and lowly servant, created through the seeds of man and the love of God, By a genealogy charted through the old country Malatia and Bolis, Arriving on the eastern shores of Jamaica, Queens and Lowell, Mass. The call Powerful and strong heeding as it does -- 2 of a kind, yet both from one mold: One to be given and one to be taken, One a child and one an angel, but both as servants — willing and faithful. The call Elaborate, persistent, and mysterious. Beginning as life, shaped by life, nurtured with life. Initiated by God and reinforced by man. The call Encouraged by many supported by all Beginning in time, as a child On the footsteps and sanctuaries of Armenian Churches — Holy Cross, Union City: St. Thomas, Tenafly; St. Mary, Elberon: St. Gregory, Fowler: Holy Martyrs, Bayside; St. Peter, Watervliet — all have beheld and all have sown the element of the call. The call Formulated and thorough, Modeled by few — Archbishops, priests, and deacons alike To teach and educate, shape and mold, though not many — even fewer so Who take hold of the seed and follow the fold. St. Nersess Seminary and the Summer Conferences, cultivate they do — Those who are interested and those who could. The call Indiscriminate and unyielding Brings together man and woman, Not to self indulge but to self sacrifice. From Selma she came — a wife she became — genuine beauty to be felt; Not just for loving me, but foremost the Lord. The call To be heard by creatures and humans alike — Given to you — family, friends, supporters and parishioners; An ear to hear, a soul to feel, and a heart to support that special call. With appreciation and sincerity — a simple thank you and a simple task — Seek, search, investigate and develop not just the Call of one, but the Call for You. The voice on high proclaims and still waits: Come Follow me. |
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CHRONICLES OF THE CALL A Calling To The Truth An Unexpected Call From God Flip A Coin From Sales To Souls God's Constant Call To Become A Priest Going With The Current Of God's Call Serve Your Church The Inspiration Of My Teachers RESOURCES FOR VOCATIONS AND CHURCH MINISTRY An Interview with the Director of Youth & Vocations Are You Listening? His Invitation is Still: 'Follow Me' The Armenian Sacrament of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood The Armenian Service of Calling to the Holy Priesthood The Call To Choose or to be Chosen POINTS OF LIGHT All that the Father Gives Me Will Come to Me (John 6:37) Go In Peace, Darling A Match to Light Our Worship A Prayer in the Car A True Christmas Story An Open Door to the Kingdom Baptism in a Shack Blessing of a Factory Confirmed in the Spirit He Gave His Life for Us It Is Worth All The Trouble Prayerful Care of Souls The Blind Man Warming Up Without Heat FAQs Prerequisites for Seminary Study Do I Have What It Takes? Seminary Studies: Courses, Teachers, Grades, Requirements Seminary Life Marriage and Celibacy |
