SALT & LIGHT YOUTH EXPLORES MEANING OF VESTMENTS AND NSHKHAR

On Monday, November 17, the Salt & Light Youth Ministry Program of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, RI, kicked off the fall season by welcoming 12 teens, including three new members, for an informative and engaging evening. Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor, led the session, speaking about the priestly vestments worn during the Divine Liturgy. He shared biblical references, explained the significance of each vestment, described the order in which they are placed on the celebrant, and outlined the prayers offered during the vesting process. The teenagers took turns reading from Ephesians 6:10-18 about the six pieces of the armor of God, which the vestments are modeled after: the belt of truth, the  breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. During their discussion, Fr. Kapriel placed the vestments on one of the young attendees. The youth remained engaged and enthusiastic, asking thoughtful questions about the significance of the vestments.

Fr. Kapriel then provided a hands-on lesson about the making of the nshkhar (communion bread). He had the Salt & Light members read passages from both the Old and New Testaments that explained how and why the nshkhar is prepared in this way. He then demonstrated the actual process of making the nshkhar, and the teenagers were able to make one for themselves to bring home. During this time, they read from Exodus 16, describing the manna as “bread from heaven,” and from the Gospel of John, in which they read Jesus’ words that He is the true bread of life. The youngsters discussed the importance of relying on God to meet our daily needs, both physical and spiritual.

At the conclusion of the session, the Pastor blessed each nshkhar and the altar in the youth assembly room and led a group prayer, following which the young attendees enjoyed fellowship during dinner.