Newsletter of the Eastern Diocese
This Sunday will be observed as Father’s Day across the
United States: a chance to reflect, with gratitude, on the deeper meaning of
fatherhood. While the surrounding popular culture may sometimes fail to treat
fatherhood with due seriousness, the Armenian Church accords great reverence
and respect to fathers.
“fatherhood” by the russian
painter viktor vasnetsov (1848-1926).
The greatest tribute we pay to fatherhood lies in the way
we apply the word “Father” to God. Our ability to call upon Him as our Father
is a privilege and blessing—beautifully conveyed in a prayer from our Divine
Liturgy:
“God of truth and Father of mercy, we are grateful that
you have exalted us above even the [Old Testament] patriarchs. For you were
called “God” to them; but you are pleased to be named “Father” to us.”
The priest recites this prayer right before the
congregation sings the Hayr Mer—reminding us that it was Jesus, God’s
only-begotten Son, who taught us to call God “Our Father.” And when we
understand God in terms of His Fatherhood, we also understand godliness to be
the duty to which all fathers are called.
This Sunday, thank the fathers who strive to provide such
an example in your own life. And in your prayers, remember those who have
departed this world.
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