Life has a way of placing burdens on the heart slowly. A concern about tomorrow. A fear we cannot explain. A responsibility that feels too large. A sorrow we keep hidden. At first, we may keep moving as usual, but little by little, the weight begins to press down. Our thoughts become tired. Our spirit becomes restless. Even small things begin to feel heavy. That is why Scripture says, “Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). God kn

When I graduated from the Seminary and was ordained a priest, my father would proudly introduce me every time we met someone new. He would say, “Do you know my son, Hayr Mesrop? He graduated from the Gevorgyan Seminary with honors. He’s a priest now, ordained at Holy Etchmiadzin.” His heart was full. He was proud. Proud not just because of the achievement, but because I was his son. Friends, that’s exactly how your Heavenly Father feels about you. He’s smiling over you. He’s

Yesterday, we laid Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian to rest. We prayerfully placed him in the loving hands of God, whom he served faithfully for sixty-six years. As I stood there, at St. James Armenian Church in Watertown, MA surrounded by his family, friends, and parishioners, one simple memory returned to my heart. When I first visited Der Arsen at his senior living residence, I leaned close to him and said, “Der Hayr, my brother’s name is Arsen, and we are Barsamian too.” He took