PLAYFUL PEACE

Did you know that the Armenian word for peace, Khaghaghoutiun [Խաղաղութիւն], which we hear so often during Badarak, comes from the root word khaghal [խաղալ] meaning “to play.” Isn’t that amazing? Peace, at its very core, is tied to this idea of pure, childlike playfulness.

Think about the way children play. They aren’t burdened by yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s fears. They’re just enjoying the moment —laughing, running, and soaking in every bit of joy life has to offer. And that’s the heart of true peace. It’s a peace that renews your joy, refreshes your soul, and allows you to move through life with a light, playful spirit.

When you understand that peace comes from embracing a spirit of simplicity and purity, you’ll find yourself ready to let go of your stresses and step into the fullness of joy that’s waiting for us right here, right now. You’ll smile again. You’ll laugh again. You’ll live again!

And here’s the key—children play freely because they feel safe. They trust that their parents are watching over them, keeping them safe. This trust allows them to immerse themselves completely in the joy of the moment, without concern for the past or anxiety about the future.

This is why Christ said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). He wasn’t calling us to be childish, but rather childlike—to embrace the purity of faith, to trust in our Heavenly Father, and to live with an unshaken peace.

Friends, we have a loving and trustworthy Father who watches over us at every moment! When you lean into His goodness and put your faith in Him, you can be free from the weight of your past and all those worries about tomorrow. Just like a child lost in the joy of play, God wants you to live fully in the present—knowing He’s got you right in the palm of His hand.

That’s real peace! It’s not about having a problem-free life. It’s about knowing that no matter what comes your way, you’re resting in the arms of a God who cares for you more than you could ever imagine. When you hold on to that truth, you’ll discover the deep, unshakable peace that only He can give.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
March 29, 2025