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.

But the truth is, God isn’t looking for perfect conditions. He’s looking for a willing heart. He’s looking for someone who will say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me, just as I am.” All God needs is our willingness, our voices lifted in praise, just as we are. The absence of instruments didn’t take away from the worship; in fact, it highlighted the sincerity of our offering to God.

A choir is more than just a group of singers; it’s a reflection of the Body of Christ working together, each voice playing a part in the grand symphony of faith. Each voice in the choir, like each of us in the Body of Christ, is unique and valuable. Some voices are strong and carry the melody; others are soft, providing harmony and depth. Alone, each voice is beautiful, but together, they create a sound that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

That’s what happens when we come together as a church, as a community. We might have different gifts and different strengths, but when we unite with one purpose—to glorify God—there is nothing more powerful. God is calling us to lift up our lives in unity. He’s calling us to work together, to sing together, to worship together, to serve together.

So, let’s lift our voices, our lives, and our hearts to Him in unity. Let’s not let anything hold us back or keep us silent. Let’s “sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done” and will continue to do “marvelous things.”

By Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
August 26, 2024