THE GLORY AND THE TEMPTATION OF THE THRONE

The fifty days of Easter are dedicated exclusively to the Risen Lord. It is only after the seven days following Pentecost that the Armenian Church returns to the celebration of the feasts of saints. Thus, the first Sunday following Pentecost exceptionally, is dedicated to the remembrance of Prophet Elijah. Monday and Tuesday are dedicated to Sts. Hripsime and Gayaneh and their companions; Thursday, to St. John the Baptist, and Saturday, to St. Gregory the Illuminator coming out of the dungeon.

These saints, despite the different times and places in which they lived, as well as their unique personalities and characters, had one thing in common: their God-centered zeal and love. During the reign of King Ahab, who deviated from his ancestors’ faith and worshipped the neighboring countries’ deities, Prophet Elijah was the champion of Jehovah, challenging King Ahab and Queen Jezebel along with the five thousand priests of Marduk. St. John the Baptist, the Voice in the Desert, was beheaded for rebuking King Herod for his adulterous lifestyle. Through their virtuous sacrifice, the virgins Hripsime and Gayane with their companions, were able to defeat King Drtad, possessed by lust. Eventually, St. Gregory, the faithful secretary of King Drtad, because of his ultimate obedience to God, was sentenced to an agonizing death in Khor Virab, the Pit. Nevertheless, he survived through Divine intervention.

The kings and rulers of this world, whether they inherit their thrones or are elected by the people, are invited to imitate the King of kings and the Lord of lords, our Heavenly Father, by fathering all their subjects. Although they are entrusted to lead and rule the entire nation, preserve the safety of the country inherited from their ancestors,  pursue justice, secure the wellbeing of their people and for all that deserve reverence, they are still accountable to their subjects but mostly to Almighty God, the King and Ruler par excellence of the universe. The message of our Lord Jesus Christ is very clear in this context: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48)

It is true that world governments follow their own policies, yet history is the best testimony that all governments fall short in establishing permanent peace and prosperity for humankind. For millions of years, if the universe has been running so harmoniously following Divine ordinance, why should we, created in the image of God, carrying His breath, wisdom, and other goodness, should not carry out the mission vested in us?

With these thoughts, I know that in a few days Armenians in the homeland will elect the new Parliament of the Republic of Armenia, which, in turn, will elect the new Prime Minister. Whoever is elected by the people should serve the people. The new cabinet should draw up its priorities. While developing amicable relations with neighboring countries, it should preserve the country’s freedom and safety within its rightful borders. These are its most precious assets. It must develop the local economy and industry; protect the rights of our displaced brothers and sisters from Artsakh, and secure honorable temporary residence for them. While cultivating good relations with Western countries, the new government should observe the values that underpin our Christian Armenian identity. Last but not least, it must end fraternal enmity within the country and divisiveness between the Diaspora and the Homeland.

Led by this spirit, not only will Armenians all over the world rejoice, but bountiful blessings of Almighty God will be showered upon the people of Ararat to strengthen, develop, and prosper, continuing a positive, active, and vital element in the great family of nations.

ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN

Prelate