Messages Written by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

LIFE’S SURPRISE TESTS

One of the most memorable and fearful times that I remember when I attended school some thirty-five years ago in Yerevan was the day when I walked into the Algebra classroom, sat down, and heard those words: “Clear your desk, take out a sheet of paper and a pen. There will be a test today.”

Have you ever been there? You’re going about your week, everything feels smooth and steady, and then, out of nowhere, you’re hit with a surprise test. Maybe it’s a call from the doctor with news you weren’t ready for. Maybe it’s a challenge at work you didn’t anticipate. Or maybe it’s a disagreement with someone you care about deeply. Life has a way of surprising us with its tests.

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BE STILL AND KNOW

There were three friends with big dreams and hearts full of passion, ready to change the world. One dreamed of being a peacemaker, bringing harmony to broken lives. Another had a heart for feeding the hungry, determined to erase poverty. The third chose a life of prayer as a monk, dedicating himself to seeking God’s presence. Each felt called by God to make an impact, to leave the world better than they found it.

But life didn’t unfold as planned. The peacemaker worked tirelessly, joining organizations and striving to stop conflict, yet the fighting continued. Despite his best efforts, he felt defeated and drained, his hope fading. The one feeding the poor gave all he had—setting up soup kitchens and distributing food—but the needs kept growing. He, too, felt overwhelmed, wondering if his work even mattered.

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GUARD YOUR HEART

When you squeeze an orange, what comes out? Orange juice! Not apple juice, not grape juice—only orange juice. Why? Because that’s what’s inside. It’s consistent every single time. The pressure doesn’t create what comes out; it only reveals what’s already there.

Life has a way of squeezing us. We face pressures, challenges, and people who don’t always treat us the way we’d like. But here’s the question: What comes out of you when life puts the squeeze on you? When someone says something hurtful to you, when you’re criticized, overlooked, or mistreated, what comes out of you? Is it anger, frustration, bitterness? Is it anxiety or fear?

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ROOTED IN THE RIGHT SOIL

The apricot is a national symbol of Armenia. Our songs, our poems, even our dreams—they all draw inspiration from this golden fruit. In fact, the Latin name for the apricot is Prunus Armeniacus, meaning “Armenian fruit,” because it’s believed to have originated in the rich soil of Armenia.

But not everyone sees the apricot the way we do. In some places, it’s just another fruit. Maybe not even one they would pick first. Why? Because the apricots they’ve tasted weren’t grown in the sunlight of Armenia, weren’t nurtured in its rich soil. They don’t know the sweetness, the richness, the essence of the apricot that comes from being in the right environment.

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THE TRILOGY OF GRACE

Trilogies capture our imagination. Whether it’s “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Godfather,” or “Back to the Future,” there’s something special about a story that unfolds in parts. Each chapter pulls us deeper into the narrative, revealing more about the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs. By the end, we’re not just watching a story—we’re part of it.

Did you know Jesus gave us a trilogy of His own? It’s found in Luke 15, where He tells three parables: the story of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling, and each part adds another layer to the heart of God’s love. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s the very essence of who God is. He’s showing us how far He’ll go to bring us back when we’re lost.

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THE RIM OF THE SUNRISE

There is a town in the far north of Norway where, every January 18, after months of darkness, the people gather on a hill. They stand together in the cold, straining their eyes toward the horizon. At first, all they see is a little rim of light, just a small sliver on the horizon. But as they look at that little glimmer of light, their hearts fill with joy. Why? Because they know that it’s only the beginning. In the days to come, the sun will rise higher and brighter, bathing their world in warmth and light once again.

Isn’t that a picture of how God works in our lives? Sometimes, all we see is the faintest glimmer of hope, a small rim of His promises beginning to break through the darkness. You’ve been praying for peace in your family, healing in your body, or a breakthrough in your career, and it feels like it’s been nighttime for so long. And it feels like nothing is changing.

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THE STORY BEHIND PRAYING HANDS

Have you ever seen Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands? This iconic artwork is everywhere—adorning churches, homes, and postcards. We’ve admired its beauty, the delicate lines, the reverence it captures. But there’s a story behind those hands that will move your heart and inspire your faith.

Albrecht Dürer and his brother Albert shared a dream: to attend art school in Nuremberg. However, their family couldn’t afford to send both. So, the brothers came up with a plan. Albrecht would go first, while Albert labored in the mines to support him. Once Albrecht completed his studies, they would switch—Albert would pursue his dream, and Albrecht would work to fund it.

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FINDING HOPE AMID THE FLAMES

Our hearts are heavy as we watch the flames spread across the Greater Los Angeles area. Many of you are living through this nightmare – watching your homes, your communities, and even your dreams face the threat of destruction. Friends, we are praying for you. We’re praying for God’s protection over you, your families, and the brave firefighters working tirelessly to save lives and property.

I know it’s hard to see hope when the sky is filled with smoke and the fire seems unrelenting. But I want to remind you today of a powerful truth: even in the midst of the fire, God is still with you. Our God is a God of restoration, a God who turns mourning into joy, despair into praise, and ashes into beauty.

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WHEN GOD CALLS

In 1995, I was just a teenager with a dream, a deep calling to serve the Lord. That calling led me to consider studying at the Gevorkian Theological Seminary. But my qualifications were less than impressive. My grades weren’t great. My teachers didn’t hold back—they laughed and said, “You? Seminary? You’re not cut out for this.” Even family members gently suggested it might not be the right path for me.

While others doubted me, my parents believed in me. My church community encouraged me. They saw a spark of faith and a willingness to serve where others saw shortcomings. Above all, God believed in me, planting the seed of hope that would guide me forward.

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SEEING BEAUTY IN THE MESS

Years ago, a dear friend shared a story that stayed with me. He said one day, I came home to find my kitchen turned upside down. It was a disaster—bowls, utensils, flour on the counters, chocolate smears on the walls. I wasn’t happy. But then, something caught my eye. Right there on the table was a little note, written with clumsy letters and smeared with chocolate fingerprints. It said, “I’m makin’ sumthin’ 4 you, Dad. Your Angel.” At that moment, my frustration melted away. My perspective shifted. The mess didn’t disappear, but it no longer bothered me because I saw my little girl’s love shining through it. She was creating something for me.”

Friends, that’s how our Heavenly Father sees us, and it’s how we can learn to see Him in the midst of life’s challenges. When we look at our lives, we might see the mess—the struggles, the challenges, the imperfections. But God sees the love. He sees His children striving, creating, and offering themselves to Him. He sees His image reflected in us, even through the smudges and imperfections. And He delights in what we’re making for Him because it’s done in love.

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