Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan - Sermon “Raising the Cross”
Delivered on June 30, 2024 - At St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, New York City
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.
Good morning, friends! Today marks a truly special moment in the life of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and our Diocese. In a little while, we will gather out on the plaza to bless a beautiful new cross for our cathedral dome.
I: A Historical Moment
This is the third cross to stand over this sanctuary. They say the third time is the charm. The first was placed when the cathedral was built in 1968. The second replaced it in 1993 to mark the cathedral’s 25th anniversary. And now, this third cross will stand above us, God willing, for the next generation and beyond.
Today, it will be my privilege to bless the new cross and offer the prayers of consecration. And all of us together will be able to venerate the cross—lay our hands upon it—before the cranes come later this evening, to lift it to the dome and fasten it in place.
After that, once the scaffolding comes down, it will only be seen from afar. So you are among the few people in the world who will be able to say: “I touched the cross on St. Vartan Cathedral.” What a unique blessing that is! You are here to witness and take part in a moment of history.
II: A Personal Story of Faith
When I was a young boy, a pilgrim who had gone to Jerusalem brought me back a beautiful wooden cross. I wore it around my neck all the time; and I really LOVED that cross. But over time, the wood dried up, cracked—and the cross broke. I remember lying in bed at night, feeling so sad and worried about how to fix it. I tried glue and other ways to put it back together. But nothing worked. And I felt like a part of me was missing until, at last, I had a cross to replace it.
Friends, I must confess that I had those same feelings 4 months ago when I was told the cross on our St. Vartan Cathedral had been taken down. I started to worry. I thought: “We need to put that cross back up as soon as possible.” It felt like something very important was missing from my life—from our whole life as a church.
Today, we thank God that we can fill that gap in our lives, and restore the cross to its rightful place. But this process of restoration and renewal is not just about a PHYSICAL object: it is also a powerful metaphor for our SPIRITUAL journey and God’s unconditional LOVE.
III: The Cross as a Symbol of God's Love
When we look at the cross, we are reminded of the greatest love story ever told. The cross is where God’s love was manifested in the most extraordinary way. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The cross is a testament to that love—a love so deep, so wide, and so enduring that it conquered sin and death.
In moments of brokenness and despair, we might feel dried up and shattered. We try to mend our lives with temporary fixes, but often find that only God can truly restore us. Just as the cross is being returned to its place atop the Cathedral, we too can find healing and wholeness through our faith in Jesus Christ.
As we restore the cross today, let it serve as a reminder that no matter how broken we may feel, God's grace is sufficient to heal and renew us.
IV: Honoring Our Heritage
Our ancestors understood that well and their faith was the cornerstone of their resilience. They faced challenges and adversities, yet they always turned to God, trusting in His providence and strength.
Exactly one year ago today, standing right here, I announced the beginning of a year-long celebration for the 125th anniversary of our Diocese.
It was a year to remember and honor the courageous people who established the Armenian Church in America—as well as the generations of their children and grandchildren—and later arrivals from across the world—who have built and strengthened our Diocese over these 125 years.
Now, a year later, as we raise a new cross over the great symbol of this Diocese—our beloved cathedral—let’s honor those faithful souls who paved the way for us.
Think about the hands that built this cathedral, the hearts that prayed here, the lives that were touched by its presence. Friends, we are here today because of their faith and dedication.
V: A Call to Build Our Future
This new cross is a testament to their legacy and a call to action. It’s a reminder that we are called to build a future together, to build upon their foundation, and rooted in our faith and love for one another.
It’s a call to create a legacy that will stand the test of time, just as this cross does. Together, with God’s grace, we can achieve great things. We can build a future that is bright, filled with promise, and rooted in His eternal love.
So, as we prepare to bless and lift this new cross, let’s do so with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation.
Let’s celebrate the history that brought us here, the faith that sustains us, and the future that God has in store for us.
Let’s raise the cross in our hearts, in our homes, and in our community. Let’s lift it high, as a symbol of our faith, our unity, and our hope.
Let’s proclaim to the world that the light and the love of Christ shines brightly from St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
Prayer
We thank You, Lord, for the vision and dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to bring this moment to fruition. May this Cross be a reminder of the triumph of Your love over sin and death, and may it inspire all who behold it to draw closer to You.
Bless this Cathedral, Lord, and all who enter its doors. May it continue to be a place of worship, refuge, and spiritual growth. Let the light of Your presence shine brightly from this holy place, guiding and comforting Your people.
We pray for all those who will look to this Cross in times of joy and sorrow. May they find strength, peace, and guidance in the shadow of the Cross, knowing that You are ever-present in their lives.
We dedicate this Cross and this Cathedral to the eternal glory of Your most Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
