Messages Written by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE LORD

Today marks a very special day for me; it’s been 20 years since I was ordained as a celibate priest at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
As I stand here today, back in the spiritual cradle of our ancient and beautiful Armenian Church, I’m filled with gratitude, awe, and a sense of wonder at the journey God has laid out for me.
My heart swells when I think back to the young man I was, taking my vows on this hallowed ground, entirely unaware of the incredible tapestry God would weave through my ministry.

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LESSONS FROM HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

Today, I stood in the sacred space that is the spiritual center of our nation: the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. Though scaffolding lines the walls and dust fills the air, the cathedral remains a beacon of light and guidance for every soul that enters.
As I took pictures, I couldn’t help but think about how the ongoing renovations serve as a poignant metaphor for our spiritual journeys. Just like the Cathedral, we, too are works in progress.

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BEST ARMENIAN TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE

Several years ago, four of our clergy brothers debated which Armenian translation of the Bible was the most effective. One championed the Golden Grabar, a translation from Greek into Classical Armenian, revered as “The Queen of Translations.” Another insisted that the modern Armenian edition published by Etchmiadzin was unparalleled. A third vouched for the new “Ararat” translation. When it was the fourth priest’s turn, he said, “I prefer my mother’s translation.”

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CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU

We’ve all heard, uttered, or thought these words at some point: “No one cares about how I feel, what I think, or what I want.” Life has moments where it feels like no one is listening or paying attention. These times can leave us upset, discouraged, and isolated.
The problems and challenges we face in daily life are very real; they aren’t things we can simply throw away or ignore. However, what we can control is the anxiety these issues generate, the turmoil that unsettles our minds and disrupts the tranquility of our souls.

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HOPING AGAINST HOPE HE BELIEVED

The Apostle Paul speaks of Abraham’s faith, saying: “Hoping against hope, he believed.” Through this faith, Abraham became the inheritor of God’s promises. Initially, there was no doubt that Abraham was afraid of God’s promises.
God had vowed to bless Abraham and make him the father of many nations, even though he had no children. With each passing year, this promise seemed more and more implausible. Abraham even attempted to address the issue of paternity through human means, seeking to have a child through his servant (Genesis 16).

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YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH

In ancient times, following sunset, the sole source of illumination came from a torch. This torch consisted of a clay base about the size of a palm, filled with oil, which would burn through the wick.
In this Psalm, the word of God is likened to a torch (or a lamp, as we might say in English). Just as light is indispensable for a nighttime journey, keeping us safe from harm, so too is the word of God an essential beacon in this dark and sinful world, illuminating our path toward salvation.

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WHY?

“Why?” is a reflection of our human nature. We all pose this question, particularly during times of pain and suffering, seeking an explanation from God. Many of us have the misconception that understanding the cause of our pain will either alleviate it or at least make it more bearable. Scriptures tell us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). All we know about God is thanks to His revelation.

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