Bishop Mesrop Reflects: Distributing the Holy Muron

Read Bishop Mesrop’s reflection on the unifying power of the Holy Muron.

The Blessing of the Holy Muron ceremony on September 28 was only the first act in a process that will convey the sanctified oil to every parish in the worldwide Armenian Church, where it will be used in the Holy Sacraments. Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was among the bishops gathered at Holy Etchmiadzin on September 30 to receive the new Muron from His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, to transport to their respective dioceses.

In the Eastern Diocese, the last act of the process will take place at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral this Friday (October 4), when the Muron is distributed to our Diocesan clergy, who in turn will bring it back to their local parishes.

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Distributing the Holy Muron

A Reflection by Bishop Mesrop

Yesterday, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, our Catholicos, distributed the newly blessed Holy Muron to diocesan Primates from every corner of the globe. Each of us brought this sacred anointing oil back to our dioceses: a beautiful testament to our unity in Christ.

This unity is profoundly reflected in the nature of the Holy Muron itself. Made from more than 50 flowers and oils gathered from all over the world, it reminds us that our shared faith transcends borders. Once blessed, the Holy Muron doesn’t remain in one place—it crosses oceans and climbs mountains, reaching churches, cathedrals, and sanctuaries wherever Armenians live.

From Yerevan to New York, Paris to Sydney, Jerusalem to Buenos Aires, the same Holy Muron blessed in Sourp Etchmiadzin touches us all, regardless of where we are, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s unifying presence. The same Spirit that blesses you touches your brothers and sisters around the globe. That’s God’s way of reminding us that we’re never alone. Though we may be spread across different cities, countries, and continents, we are united by the Holy Spirit.

In a world that often seeks to divide us by opinions, differences, or physical distance, God is revealing something greater. Through Holy Muron, He is telling us, “You are one. You are part of something much bigger.” No matter where you are, what language you speak, or how different your life may be from someone else’s, the Spirit of God connects us all. We are one body, one family, one Church.

This unity is not just an idea but a powerful, real connection. When we feel isolated, when we feel like we’re walking through life all on our own, God sends us a reminder: You’re part of something bigger. You belong. You belong to a church that spans the globe. You belong to a community that is held together by the Holy Spirit.

So, when life gets overwhelming, when the path ahead seems unclear, take comfort in knowing that others are lifting you up in prayer. Even in your quiet moments, God is working in ways unseen, through the love and support of your spiritual family. Lean into that divine connection, trusting that His presence is guiding you, and His people are surrounding you.

In this unity, there is power—power to overcome, to heal, and to rise above.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
Primate