A SACRED CONNECTION

During the recent Bishop’s ordination, I had the blessing, the honor, to wear a special cuff, the pazban, on my right arm. This wasn’t just any cuff. This was the very same one that once adorned the arm of Khrimyan Hayrig (1820-1907), the beloved Catholicos of all Armenians. He was a man after God’s own heart—a true shepherd, a beloved father to our people, a leader of unwavering courage and compassion.

As I placed this pazban on my arm, I felt a rush of reverence. In that moment, it felt like more than just fabric and threads. This cuff had been woven with prayers, with the humility and strength of those who wore it before me. It symbolized the dedication, the tears, and the selfless love of our spiritual ancestors, who witnessed Christ through trials and triumphs.

The pazbans that clergy wear during the Badarak are a call to purity and humility. They’re a reminder that, as servants of God, we’re called to approach His holy altar with pure hearts and clean hands. Every time the clergy slip on these bands, it’s a renewal, a call to serve with humility and grace. It’s a reminder that the work we do isn’t about us—it’s about lifting others, reflecting God’s love, and being a vessel for His goodness.

And it’s not just clergy who are called to this. Every one of us, lay and clergy alike, are called to carry this witness of faith. We are all invited to be part of God’s holy work in the world, each of us with a unique part to play. And we’re not alone in this walk. The saints, the faithful, the ones who went before—they’re cheering us on, praying for us, lifting us up.

Let us honor the legacy of those who have gone before us by committing ourselves to carry on this legacy of faith. Let us, together, continue the journey of faith with courage, with hope, and with the unwavering assurance that we are surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses, lifting us up as we keep the flame of faith burning brightly.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
November 7, 2024