Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Beloved Faithful People,

With sacred experiences of the soul, we once again enter the season of Great Lent. By examining our inner life and walking the holy path of repentance and contrition, we journey toward the joyful and radiant feast of the Holy and Glorious Resurrection of our Savior.

The preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ began with a call to repentance: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17). It is in responding to this divine invitation that the Fast, in its prayerful mystery, strengthens and purifies the soul, and reaffirms the filial bond with the Heavenly Father.

May fervent prayer illuminate the course of the Fast, may moderation adorn the life of the believer, and may the repentant soul extend forgiveness to one’s neighbor, as the Lord lovingly instructs: “Forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25).

Beloved, in our times, when our souls are stirred with concern over the challenges of our nation and homeland, and are troubled by various assaults upon our Holy Church, let us find peace in our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have been reconciled with God. Let us live with full dedication to our people and homeland, with steadfast zeal for our identity and sacred values, and with unwavering resolve to remain faithful to our Mother Church.

Together, let us lift our prayers that this sacred and mysterious season of the Fast may become for all of us a gracious opportunity for universal repentance and contrition, so that, recognizing and correcting our faults and shortcomings, we may collectively overcome all trials and hardships.

May Almighty God establish peace in the world, in our homeland, and in our hearts, and may He preserve and strengthen our people, our state, and our Holy Church in prosperity and growth. Amen.