Messages Written by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

HARMONY IN UNITY

Yesterday, we experienced something truly special at St. Vartan Cathedral; our choir sang without any instruments, just pure voices lifting up in acapella worship. As I stood there, listening to their voices rise and fall in perfect harmony, I was reminded of something profound about our walk with God.

How often do we fall into the trap of thinking we’re not enough? We tell ourselves, “If only I had more time, more resources, more talent—then I could truly serve God, then I could truly make a difference.” We think we need all the bells and whistles—the perfect circumstances, the right tools, the best opportunities—to worship, to serve, to be effective.

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CHOOSING LOVE OVER JUDGMENT

Our society is quick to judge. Just turn on the TV, scroll through social media, and you’ll see it everywhere—people tearing each other down, pointing fingers, casting blame. It’s almost like it’s become second nature to us. But that’s not the life God has called us to live.

God has called us to a higher standard. He’s called us to love, to build each other up, and to see the best in one another. That’s not always easy in a world where judgment is so prevalent, but it’s the path that leads to true peace, true joy, and true fulfillment.

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KEEP SWINGING

Sometimes in life, we feel like we’re up against impossible odds. We’ve given it our all, but the breakthrough seems far off. We’re like a baseball player who keeps swinging but can’t seem to hit that home run. It’s in those moments that we need to dig deep, trust in God’s plan, and remember that victory might be just one swing away.

Last Saturday, with the parishioners of Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church we had a day out at the ballpark to watch the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are a team that knows something about perseverance…

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JOURNEY OF FAITH

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been constantly on the move—traveling from New York to Chicago and Racine, then to Canada and Armenia. As I was flying back from Armenia, I found myself with ample time—16 hours, to be exact—to reflect on the journey of life. Isn’t life itself a journey? We’re constantly moving, going from one stage to the next, often unsure of what lies ahead. Yet, we trust that every step is part of a greater purpose.

Today’s Gospel reading gives us a beautiful example of someone also on a journey—Mary, the Mother of our Lord.

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ARARAT’S TESTIMONY

This morning, as I was flying back to New York from Armenia, I looked out of the airplane window and saw the magnificent Mount Ararat. What a sight! This mountain stands as a living reminder of God’s unwavering promises and the incredible resilience of His people. It was on these very slopes that Noah’s Ark came to rest after the great flood, a story that speaks volumes about God’s faithfulness and the strength of those who trust in Him (Genesis 6:11–9:19).

Mount Ararat is more than just a mountain. It’s a beacon of hope, a symbol that no matter how turbulent life’s waters might be, God’s promises…

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RESTORATION AND RENEWAL

Today, with Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, we visited the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral, and our hearts were filled with awe and gratitude. The cathedral, which has been the spiritual heart of the Armenian Church for centuries, is now almost ready to reopen its doors after extensive renovation. The ancient stones, which have witnessed the prayers, hopes, and tears of countless generations, now shine with renewed brilliance.

As we prepare for the grand opening in September, I can’t help but reflect on what this moment means for each of us.

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CHOOSING GRATITUDE

As the Olympics have just come to a close, there’s something interesting that I want to share with you. Did you notice that a bronze medalist is generally more joyful than a silver medalist at the end of a game? You’d think it would be the other way around, right? But it’s a fact, backed by research, that bronze medalists usually experience more happiness than those who win the silver.

Now, logically, you might assume that a silver medalist should be happier—they came so close to the top spot! But the human mind doesn’t operate on logic alone…

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HONOR THE LORD

A hundred years ago, the Olympics were held in Paris, just like they are this year, and a Scottish athlete named Eric Liddell found himself facing a tough decision. Eric was a devout Christian, and his preferred race, the 100 meters, was scheduled on a Sunday. To Eric, honoring the Lord’s Day was non-negotiable. Despite the pressure and the world’s expectations, Eric refused to run. Instead, he chose to honor God by keeping the Lord’s Day holy.

On the morning of the race, one of his teammates handed him a piece of paper with the Bible verse 1 Samuel 2:30 written on it: “I will honor those who honor Me.”

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EMBRACE THE GIFT OF TODAY

We often mark our calendars with days we think are the most significant: our birthdays, New Year’s Day, the first day of school, graduation day, the day we get engaged, our wedding, or the birth of our first child. Maybe for you, it’s the day you win a tournament or make a groundbreaking discovery.

God has orchestrated these monumental days with His providence, especially for us. But let me tell you, every day given by God is a blessing, even the most challenging ones. The psalmist reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

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A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS

Two brothers lived side by side on adjoining lands. One was the head of a large family, while the other lived alone. One night, the older brother lay awake, thinking about his younger brother. He thought, “My brother lives alone; he does not have the companionship of wife and children to cheer his heart as I have. While he sleeps, I will carry some of my sheaves into his field.” And so, he did.

At the same time, the younger brother was also awake, thinking about his older brother. He thought, “My brother has a large family, and his necessities are greater than mine. While he sleeps, I will put some of my sheaves on his side of the field.” And so, he did.

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