Fourth Sunday After The Feast Assumption Of The Holy Mother Of God

Sunday, September 6, 2026

The words of St. Paul, the Apostle, remind us of one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life: we are not merely inhabitants of this world—we are temples of the Holy Spirit. God has chosen to dwell not only in temples made by human hands, but also in the heart of every believer. What a great honor this is, and at the same time, what a great responsibility.

We often give great attention to our churches—we clean them, care for them, and keep them beautiful. This is right, because the church is the house of God. Yet the Apostle reminds us that God has also made each one of us His temple. If we always remember this truth, our attitude toward our lives, our words, our thoughts, and our actions will be completely different.

Today, the world often views the human body as a means of pleasure, personal gain, or self-promotion. People are judged by their appearance, strength, or achievements. But the Word of God teaches us something entirely different. Our bodies are a gift from God, and they are called to serve goodness, holiness, and love. For this reason, a Christian cares not only for the soul but for the whole person, because everything belongs to God.

Saint Paul also says, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a great price.” That price was the Cross of Christ, His precious Blood, and His saving sacrifice. When we remember the price by which we were redeemed, we realize that our lives no longer belong only to us—they belong to the One who loved us to the very end.

Glorifying God is not limited to prayer or attending church. We glorify Him when we keep our hearts pure, when our lips speak the truth, when our hands show mercy, and when our lives become a witness to love and holiness. Then our whole being truly becomes a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, let us remember each day to whom we belong. May our bodies, our souls, and our entire lives be worthy dwelling places for the Holy Spirit. And may those who look at our lives see not us, but the light of God dwelling within us.

Deacon MIKAYEL MARGARYAN