Strength in Gethsemane

This is one of the most powerful paintings you'll ever see at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin! It’s a masterpiece, rich with meaning that pulls us right into that sacred moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, the very scene we remember on this Holy Thursday.

In the center, we see Jesus, our Savior, with His face glowing in divine light, His hands clasped in humility as He prays. Despite knowing what lay ahead, He showed us what trust in God truly looks like. Jesus, in the face of unimaginable agony, chose obedience. He surrendered, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Isn’t that a beautiful reminder for us today? When we’re facing our own trials, when the weight of life feels too much to bear, we can look to Jesus' example. We can trust that God has a purpose in it all and that His love is right there, surrounding us just like the angels surrounding Jesus.

Beside our Lord, an angel holds the cross and offers Him the cup—the cup of suffering He was about to drink for our sake. Above Him, other angels carry symbols of His suffering: the crown of thorns, the nails, the lance. Each symbol tells a story of God’s love, a love so deep and so relentless, it chose the cross.

Beneath the painting are these words: “Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In His anguish, He prayed more earnestly” (Luke 22:43-44). Even in His darkest hour, Lord Jesus was not alone. God sent an angel to strengthen Him, a reminder that He wasn’t walking this path alone.

Maybe today you’re facing your own “Gethsemane”—bearing a hardship you didn’t expect, one that feels almost too heavy to carry. Remember, God sees you, just as He saw Jesus. He is near, right there in your struggles, your fears, your darkest hours. Just as He sent an angel to Jesus, He will strengthen you too.

In His anguish, Jesus prayed more earnestly. Friends, that’s our call. When life gets hard, keep praying—pray more earnestly. Because in those moments, God draws especially close, surrounding you with His strength, His love, and His peace every step of the way.