GOD NEVER FORGETS

Each weekend, I travel to different parishes to celebrate Badarak, ordinations, and milestones. But ministry is never confined to the altar alone. One of its greatest joys is going beyond church doors and stepping into homes and hearts. It means sitting beside those who cannot come to church because of age, illness, or limitation. It means carrying the Church to them, bringing Christ’s presence into quiet living rooms and hospital rooms.

Yesterday in Philadelphia, I had one of those beautiful moments. With Der Hagop Gevorgyan, we visited Ethel Terzian (shared here with her family’s permission), a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham. For decades, she poured her love into her parish — praying, serving, giving. Today her steps may be slower, but her faith is still vibrant; her heart still shines with God’s light. When I walked into her room, I felt the presence of the Lord there.

Moments like this whisper a truth we need to hold close: God never forgets His own. Holy Scripture assures us: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). Heaven keeps a record of your faithfulness. Every prayer you have whispered, every candle you have lit, every act of love you have offered, God has seen and remembers.

It is easy, especially when illness or age slows us, to wonder if our lives still matter. We might feel hidden from the world’s view, as if our influence has ended. But the Lord knows your name. Your life’s faithfulness still echoes. The love you sowed in earlier days is bearing fruit now, often in ways you cannot see. God remembers. God rewards. God continues His work through you, through your prayers.

And to those of us who can go and visit, let’s be Christ’s hands and feet. There are brothers and sisters who feel forgotten. Let us be a Church that remembers and reaches out. Pick up the phone. Drop by for a visit. Write a card. Say a prayer. Let’s go beyond these walls and bring light to someone who might feel forgotten. You think you’re going to encourage them, but you’ll find their faith will encourage you more.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
September 27, 2025