Personal Pieces

There are always people complaining that no one should talk about Christmas before Remembrance Day.  This is what I believe. I do not think, Christmas disrespects the Veterans who fought for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love; because the essence of the Original Christmas was exactly that, to bring Hope to those in darkness; Peace to those in war; Joy to those who were oppressed; and most of all Love to All. And that is what the Veterans fought for and put their lives on the line. However, many parts of the world has evolved so much, and ingrained in us … Read more

On All Saints Sunday, we remember those who have passed into eternity from our immediate community and are somehow connected to the community of Faith that I serve. Keeping in mind that all who have gone before us have left us LOVE that no one can steal. This year it was more poignant than ever before. On November 1, 2017, which is All Saints Day in the life of the Church, our community lost a community pillar who was a colleague and a friend – David Scotland. During the worship service when I was serving Communion (by Intinction), as each … Read more

“A Life of Spirituality begins with Communication, Relationships. Entering a relationship with the One, the self and the other.” Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro

Today, August 21, 2017 marks the 31st Anniversary of my entry to Canada. What a journey it has been. I do not recall knowing much about Canada; however, circumstances and obstacles brought us here. We came to Canada because one of my sisters was unable to obtain a tourist visa to enter the U.S.A. So, two of my sisters from Lebanon, Ruth and Choughik, came to Canada with hopes to cross the border to the U.S.A. In the meantime, a miracle broke through. While still in Lebanon, they heard that the Canadian Government opened the doors for Lebanese citizens to … Read more

Today (July 6, 2017) is Nazani’s 21st birthday. Nazani is a wonderful, beloved individual who is helping us at VBS (Vacation Bible School – 2017) at Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge. She came here from Montreal for this week, to share her musical gift with our VBS students. We have about 14-16 children and youth participating, daily, from 9:15 a.m. to noon.  Nazani did not come alone, she also brought her boyfriend, Rafi to help out with games. We have been having a blast. Today, I wanted to get a special cake, a card, a gift, something special to mark Nazani’s 21st … Read more

Today we gathered at Hanna Park, Portland, ON for our Annual Outdoor Worship Service and Picnic Lunch. Half of the regular congregants were not there, as there are other events going on on this day, where they have responsibilities. In the morning, the clouds were covering the sun and i was almost tempted to say, “Let’s move the service at the Portland United Church building, just in case it rains.” But another voice discouraged me to make that phone call and trust Mother Nature. As soon as I arrived at the park, a member of the churches I serve came … Read more

Yesterday evening, June 23, 2017, if anyone asked me how is ministry life – They would have been disappointed by my answer. I had visited little “Princess” (2 month old today), who is fighting for her life and a man in his 80’s who has been living in the hospital for over 2 years, because of dialysis… His days are mostly spent sleeping, and he barely remembered who I was. But I know who he is… So, it was a good visit…After such deep, sacred moments at the hospital, I had to withstand other fires that were draining my energy … Read more

Today was a day of Firsts. I officiated my very first same gender wedding and after which I rushed to go and do an emergency baptism of a 6-week old baby. It was an emotional roller coaster ride but it was a sacred one, nonetheless. Sometimes I wonder why I do what I do, then I get a beautiful note like this one (below) that reminds me, our work is never in vain. Here, I share this priceless note with all of you…   “Dear Takouhi, I could not have imagined a more beautiful, fitting marriage ceremony than that which … Read more

Today, May 31, 2017 – in conversations with different individuals, the following words surfaced and I am compelled to share them with you. “God does not promise an easy life – but to journey with us ALWAYS.” “God Blesses our actions when we do it for God’s Mission and Meets our Needs; as long as we our actions and words meet the purpose of God.” So, today – Do not be afraid… Speak the Truth, allow the Word to become flesh again with your life and carry on the Grace of God…