LESSONS FROM HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
August 29, 2023
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. There are corners of our souls that need mending, walls that need reinforcing, and foundations that need strengthening. Yet, the core essence—the Divine residing within us—remains untouched, radiating grace and love.
While we often strive for external perfection, God invites us to embrace our imperfections and submit ourselves to the Master Builder’s plans. As this holy ground transforms, may it remind us that it’s in the process of renovation where we find our most authentic selves and that beauty and truth are not just found in the finished product but also in the labor of becoming.
May the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, standing as an everlasting testament to the faith and resilience of our people, flourish in its renewed form. May it continue to inspire souls, just as it has mine, drawing them closer to God, and nurturing their spirits for generations to come. Amen.
Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan
