Prelate's Message

THE JOY OF GIVING

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On the first Thursday of Spring 2023, I would like to greet you all in the spirit of renewal, a fantastic
system planted in our nature by the Almighty God, the Renewer par excellence, as in Armenian we say
Norokogh Dyezerats, in order to be refreshed, re energized and to look forward with positive spirit.

Mother Nature indeed is an open school offering its courses free of charge on 24/7 basis, when following
the pristine botanical world, we witness gradually the blossoming of the flowers and the trees bearing
fruits unconditionally, inviting us all to wonder how marvelous the Creation is.

While I was reflecting on this natural miracle, our DBA & Project Coordinator brought to my attention
that the Prelacy “Artsakh Martyrs’ Orphans Fund” has received a boost by a benefactor. Years back, a
couple, who never wished their names to be trumpeted, had started to take care for 30 orphans, gradually
they have extended their outreach, and now, with a most noble gesture, they have decided to sponsor 300
orphans.

While synchronizing Mother Nature’s unconditional production with the outpouring of care by this
couple, a powerful quotation rang in my mind, creating a symphony of Love, Beauty and Joy. Gibran
Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese-American author, philosopher, poet and artist, in his famous book,“The
Prophet,” in the chapter of “Giving” says,

“There are those who give and know not pain in giving,
nor they seek joy,
nor give with mindfulness of virtue.
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle its fragrance into space.
It is well to give when asked,
But it is better to give unasked, through understanding.”

May God multiply those who give unasked and shower this gladdening spirit upon all those who are
deprived of experiencing the joy of Giving.

On this occasion, once again, I’m grateful to the Almighty Lord, that with the cooperation of our Pastors
and the support of our parishioners we have raised $103,297 for the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund.
May God lead us all to walk together, to be filled with and enjoy the fragrance of loving, caring and
sharing.