AVEDIS – THE GOOD NEWS

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Four Evangelists. In Greek, the word “Evangelion” means “Good News,” and in Armenian, it’s “Avedis.” These four remarkable men, chosen by God, were called to write the Gospels, to be the messengers of the “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Indeed, the Gospel is news—and it is profoundly good.

We live in a world where the news is often dominated by negativity—stories of conflict, division, and despair. Day after day, we hear headlines that make us anxious, sad, or angry. And it’s so easy to get weighed down by it all, to forget about the good news that truly matters.

The Gospel is the best news you will ever hear. It’s a message of hope that can transform lives, heal brokenness, and renew hearts. The Gospel tells us that God loves us, forgives us, and has a plan for us. And no matter how dark things may seem, there is always a light that shines in the darkness, and that light is Jesus Christ.

The Four Evangelists— Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John— dedicated their lives to spreading this good news. Their message was simple but powerful: Jesus Christ has come into the world, bringing hope, love, and salvation. We are no longer bound by sin, fear, or hopelessness. Through Jesus, we are offered a new life, a fresh start, and a promise of eternal joy with Him.

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Evangelists, let’s remember that the Good News is something we all are called to share. Lord Jesus said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The world doesn’t need more noise, more opinions, or more division. What it needs is the Good News of Jesus Christ. It needs people who will boldly proclaim, “There is hope, there is peace, there is joy, and it’s found in Him.”

So, let’s be the carriers of this Good News. Let’s proclaim it, not with judgment or fear but with love, grace, and compassion. Let’s be a light in a world that so desperately needs it. When we do, we bring a little bit of heaven to earth. We help others see the light of Christ, and we remind them that there is good news, there is great joy, and it’s for all people.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
October 19, 2024