MEMORIAL DAY

Today is a special day—a day of remembrance, a day of gratitude, a day when we pause to honor the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and for our Homeland. Today is Memorial Day, a day when we reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who laid down their lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.

In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Our servicemen and women exemplified this kind of love. They stepped forward when others stepped back. They stood strong in the face of danger, and they gave their all so that we could live in peace and liberty.

We often take for granted the simple things in life: the freedom to worship, the freedom to speak our minds, the freedom to pursue our dreams. These freedoms were bought at a great price. The heroes we honor today paid that price with their blood, their sweat, and their lives. They did it willingly, not for glory or recognition, but out of a deep sense of duty and love for their country and for us.

On this Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones in service to our nation and our Homeland. Their loss is a heavy burden to bear, but we can offer our support, our gratitude, and our prayers. Let’s also pray for those who are currently serving, that God would protect them and bring them home safely.

And finally, let’s remember that the freedom we enjoy is a gift. It’s a gift that comes with a responsibility. It’s up to us to cherish it, to protect it, and to ensure that it remains strong for future generations. Let’s live lives worthy of the sacrifice that was made for us.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
May 27, 2024