That’s Why I’m Here

Not long ago, with our multimedia specialist Mano Baghjajian, we were at St. Vartan Cathedral early in the morning, filming a message. The sanctuary was quiet, the lights still warming up, and a deep sense of God’s peace filled the sacred space.

As we were getting ready, a woman walked in. She paused, looked around, and softly asked, “May I sit quietly in the back?” I said, “Of course—you’re always welcome here.” She took a seat in the back.

After we finished filming, I turned and noticed her in tears. I gently walked over and asked, “Can I pray for you?” She looked up, eyes full of emotion, and said, “Yes, Father, please. I’m going to have a PET scan in an hour… and I’m afraid.” I placed my hand on her shoulder and prayed one of the beautiful prayers of St. Gregory of Narek.

When I finished, I gently reminded her, “No matter what happens, you’re not alone. God is with you.” She looked back at me with a small but confident smile and said, “I know, Father. That’s why I’m here.”

Friends, where do you run when fear knocks on your door? Where do you turn when the scan is scheduled, the news is uncertain, when the future feels shaky?

This woman didn’t run to panic. She didn’t run to despair. She ran to the sanctuary. She ran into God’s presence. She wasn’t there because she had no fear. She was there because her faith was greater than her fear.

Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” The shelter of God is the sacred space we enter when we turn to Him. It’s where fears are released, tears are welcomed, and weary hearts begin to breathe again.

So today, if you’re facing something uncertain, if you’re waiting for results, wrestling with decisions, or you’re in a season of silent battles no one else sees, remember: You’re not alone. God’s presence is near. His shelter is available, His sanctuary is open.

Faith doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it’s the quiet act of showing up. Sitting in the back pew. Lifting your eyes through tears. Saying, “Lord, I’m here.” And when you do, He says back to you, “So am I.”