Today, at the heart of our faith, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we gathered in prayer, lifting up His Holiness Karekin II on his 25th anniversary of the enthronement to the Catholicosate of All Armenians. For a quarter of a century, His Holiness has served as a shepherd and father, guiding us through the trials and triumphs of our age. Through times of hardship and moments of celebration, he has been a vessel of our enduring faith.

It’s easy to take spiritual leadership for granted. Often, we look to our leaders as if their strength, wisdom, and presence in our lives had just appeared. But Scripture reminds us, in Hebrews 13:17, that leaders are appointed by God Himself. It says, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”