25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II

Today, at the heart of our faith, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we gathered in prayer, lifting up His Holiness Karekin II on his 25th anniversary of the enthronement to the Catholicosate of All Armenians. For a quarter of a century, His Holiness has served as a shepherd and father, guiding us through the trials and triumphs of our age. Through times of hardship and moments of celebration, he has been a vessel of our enduring faith.

It’s easy to take spiritual leadership for granted. Often, we look to our leaders as if their strength, wisdom, and presence in our lives had just appeared. But Scripture reminds us, in Hebrews 13:17, that leaders are appointed by God Himself. It says, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” His Holiness Karekin II was called by God for such times as this to stand as a guardian of faith, a beacon of hope, and a courageous shepherd for our Armenian people.

Now, in this time of so many tribulations and so much heartache, Vehapar is a voice of strength, of conviction, and of comfort. During the long, tense years of the Artsakh war and the challenges that followed, His Holiness has been unwavering. He has reminded us, time and time again, of the promise of Christ, the resilience of our people, and the faith that has carried us for centuries. In his heart beats the love for our people, and he stands firm in his faith in God’s promises for our future.

For 25 years, He has walked with us through times of peace and times of hardship, always pointing us back to the cross, back to the Light of Holy Etchmiadzin that St. Gregory the Illuminator saw centuries ago. And today, as we lift up the prayers, hopes, and dreams of our entire church, entrusting them to God, let us ask for His continued blessing upon this anointed leader of our Nation, His Holiness Karekin II the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians:

From the soul of every Armenian heart,
A prayer ascends, O God, impart.
Let blessings flow, let strength remain,
On our Catholicos, in Your holy name.

Days of peace, grant him with grace,
To guide and guard this sacred place.
Long may he lead, both firm and wise,
The Armenian Church beneath Your skies.

Lord, in Your love, be ever near,
To the Holy Etchmiadzin we hold so dear.
Founded by You, let it stand bold,
A beacon of faith guiding hearts along.

Forever steady, forever bright,
Shine Your blessings, O endless Light.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
November 4, 2024