KEEP SINGING YOUR SONG

When I was 14 years old, my brother and I auditioned for the “Mankunq” boys’ choir at the Araratian Diocese. We were excited, full of dreams. The director, Mr. Shota Vardanyan, God rest his soul, listened to us sing. And after a few minutes, he looked at us and said, “I’m sorry, boys…I don’t think singing is really your thing. Try something else.”

My brother took those words to heart and stepped away from singing completely. But something inside me wouldn’t let go. There was a calling. The beauty of the hymns, their depth, their soul got into my spirit. I couldn’t walk away. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I believed God had placed that love for music in me for a reason.

So instead of being discouraged, I walked into the nearby St. Sarkis Church to pray. They were practicing Lenten hymns with the faithful. I sat in the back, quietly, and started singing. And I kept coming back—week after week, month after month—singing, learning, growing.

Five years later, I was studying at Sevan Seminary. And when the choir director would be absent, guess who they’d ask to step in and lead the choir? Me. And do you know who the actual choir director was at that time? The same Mr. Shota Vardanyan.

Friends, people may label you, people may count you out, but God says, “I have the final word!” When He puts a calling inside of you, He will make sure it comes to pass. Isaiah 55:11 says, “My word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

You may have faced rejection. Maybe someone told you you’re not good enough. Maybe they said you’ll never make it, you’re not qualified, you’re too old, too young, too broken. But the good news is: God’s plan for your life is not canceled because of a human opinion.

So, don’t let rejection define you. Let it refine you. The voices of discouragement may be loud, but the voice of God is louder. Hold on to the calling God placed in your heart. Keep singing your song. And in His perfect timing, He will lift you up and fulfill the dreams He planted within you.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
May 13, 2025