In the Christian life, the Holy Mother of God stands before us as the foremost figure in the Holy Family. In Christian tradition, her presence has become the symbol of humility—primarily because she heard the word of God, obeyed His will, and with modesty bore Jesus in her womb for nine months. She became the guide, companion, partner, and supporter of Christ for the rest of His life, even at the crucifixion, when Christ offered Himself for our salvation.

When we read the Holy Gospel, we come across a moment when the disciples tell Jesus that His mother and brothers are looking for Him. Christ replies: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21). The message Jesus conveys is that we must strive to resemble the Holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

Therefore, I appeal to our mothers: Make Mary the mirror of your soul by carrying within you the spiritual values, just as Mary carried within her body the infant Jesus. In a sense, you already live this mystery when you care for your children, holding them close to your heart and raising them with love and devotion.

The Virgin Mary deeply and completely understood the calling given to her by God. May we also understand our calling as nurturing parents as we raise our children.

Beloved mothers—and fathers as well—you follow every step of your children and watch how they grow, doing so with the utmost sacrifice. I believe it is your wish and desire for them to become exemplary children, living their lives in the love of God, with prayer and faith.

Today, as we celebrate the Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, we also celebrate you, inviting you to renew your calling as parents with a grateful heart.

Today we also celebrate our Mother Church, for she has been a true mother to us from the very beginning to this day—under whose care we have grown in humility, wisdom, and the teachings of Christ.

When we immerse ourselves in prayer, we may hear God’s voice within us saying: “My mother and my brothers are those who do My will.” These words encourage us to become like the mother and brothers of Christ, each according to the unique gifts we have been given.

On this joyous feast, the Church blesses grapes as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The blessing of grapes reminds us that the earth and nature, created by God, are also like mothers, producing blessings for the benefit of humanity. Therefore, when we receive the blessed grapes, we taste the sign of eternity—the sweet presence of the Holy Mother of God—so that we may continue to live our lives with God, making the love and reverence of Christ the highest aim of our spiritual life.

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America

Feast of Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary Mother of God

August 2025