Western Diocese

Archbishop's Christmas Message 2009
Duration : 05:09 minutes

Archbishop's Christmas Message 2009 (Armenian)
Duration : 07:20 minutes

 "For to me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21).

The Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the ultimate reflection of God's immeasurable and eternal love for humanity. It is through this blessed miracle that we perceive the value of God's most precious gift of life bestowed upon us.

Christianity is neither science nor philosophy. Christianity is the true path to Salvation, established by God Himself. We are called to follow this path.

Furthermore, as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we embrace all those who follow Him and spread His Word. The relationship between God and man has been made possible through His Love, granted upon us. His Love may be truly manifested in our lives if we follow the example of the Life of Christ with a peaceful spirit, a vision of brotherly love, a fruitful yet humble lifestyle, the respect for God's creation and all other Christian values which make life a true blessing.

We are on the doorsteps of the year 2010. As this year draws to an end, we must reflect on all aspects of our lives. We must reflect on the extent by which we have shaped our dealings with others in accordance with the teachings of our Lord.

The Church is God's magnanimous gift to humanity. It is strengthened with the reawakening of our faith. In the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the year 2010 will be the "Year of the Church." In the recent years, with the Grace of God, many churches have been constructed or are in the process of completion throughout this Diocese. These churches are sanctuaries and symbols of hope for our faithful. The primary mission of our churches throughout the Diocese is to make the Good News accessible to as many faithful as possible throughout the Western Diocese.

The Celebration of Christmas for the faithful is an experience of rebirth in Christ. When we celebrate the Blessed Birth of Christ, we are not only celebrating His Epiphany and Theophony but also His everlasting presence in our lives. In the Birth of Christ, we see the rebirth of humanity, our Motherland, the call to peace and the prosperity of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Let us celebrate the Holy Birth with the purity of a child's heart. With the joy of His Birth, we will meet life's challenges, especially during these days of financial crisis. Let us strengthen our faith during these challenging times and let the Blessed Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ encompass all aspects of our lives.

Dear faithful of the Armenian Church,

As we celebrate the Blessed Birth, we free ourselves from our flaws and sins. In addition, we set ourselves on the path to righteousness. This miraculous event fills our hearts and spirits with joy. God's love for humanity is reflected in the Birth of our Savior. There cannot be a greater gift than the Blessed Birth of His Only Begotten Son into this world. Moreover, as we fathom the magnitude of His Love, let us find our worthiness in Him. Let us devote our lives in His service.

Fill your lives with God's Love. Let the Birth of Christ become a rebirth in your lives. Let us love one another as He loves us. Let our churches strengthen our bonds with God. Let the Blessed Birth become a new beginning and a new awakening in ourjoint spiritual endeavors.

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate