IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

Life is said to be a continually open school. Every day, we may learn something new from anyone or anything, from people and from Creation. Reading the words of the Lord Jesus Christ that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) has always given me great pleasure and satisfaction. In my fifty years of service, I have learned the depth and beauty of this divine truth, seeing how people from different walks of life have approached me and, with great pleasure, have entrusted to me sums to be distributed to the needy. 

Those who have received such silent gifts have been showered with immense beneficence. In the meantime, I have seen a silent, inexplicable inner peace and joy in the eyes of the givers. It is a joy which, consciously or unconsciously, makes them imitators of the Creator, our Heavenly Father, as well as of the sun that shines upon our world, the springs that flow with fresh water, the trees that bear fruit, and the flowers that exude their fragrance. 

The reason I reflect on the blessing of giving is that, on Mother’s Day this year, the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral generously donated to the needy in Lebanon. We posted a video on Crossroads highlighting their benevolence. This, in turn, moved the heart of a lady to express her love in action by making a substantial donation to be used on Father’s Day for the same purpose. 

She is a modest lady with a modest income, yet she is rich in heart. 

What a caring and sharing gesture, one that brings the earth closer to heaven and brings the benefits enjoyed by creation closer to the Creator, from whom come “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). 

Whenever we initiate a new program, it gives me tremendous joy when community members, near and far, respond positively to initiatives—whether spiritual, cultural, or charitable—and support them both morally and materially, thereby giving us renewed enthusiasm to continue our mission for the betterment of our communities and for the glory of our compassionate Almighty Lord. 

Let us all express our heartfelt gratitude to our fathers on Father’s Day, but most especially to our Heavenly Father, who loves, cares, understands, forgives, and rejoices in seeing His children mirror His true essence: love. 

ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN

Prelate