In a special video message for Thanksgiving, Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan speaks to the faithful from his heart, as we approach, in his words, “a beautiful and spiritually meaningful occasion: the great American holiday of Thanksgiving.”
“It is a remarkable thing,” he reflects, “that a country as great and powerful as America sets aside this day, to offer humble thanks to God. That says so much about the spirit that lies at the heart of this country—and we must never lose touch with that spirit.”
“For Armenians, of course, giving thanks to God is one of the central ideas of our faith,” he adds. “It is a spirit that has deep roots among our people.”
Fr. Mesrop recorded the message from a rehabilitation center in New York City, where he is currently recovering from injuries sustained in an automobile accident last summer. That experience has given this “season of thanks” a very personal meaning for him.
“I cannot say enough how grateful I am to all of you—who have been so encouraging and generous with your words and prayers,” he says. “When I feel frustrated in my therapy—whenever the steps are coming slowly, and sometimes painfully—just reflecting on all the things I’m thankful for, from my fellow man and from God, is enough to keep me going, and keep my spirits up.”
Click the link below to watch Fr. Mesrop’s Thanksgiving message. And in the days to come, let every Armenian home be a house of prayer, where God is thanked, and His servants are remembered.
WATCH THE PRIMATE’S VIDEO MESSAGE