Fr. Smpad Talk's

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; n that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-11)

So He said to them, “When you pray, say:Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.Give us day by day our daily bread.And forgive us our sins,For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.

“Reach your finger here and look at My hands; and reach your hand here and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving but believing.” (John 20:27)Ultimately, Jesus Christ's invitation to Thomas serves as a powerful reminder of the uncomplicated nature of belief. The passage encourages us to not only seek tangible evidence but also to cultivate a faith that transcends the physical realm. It challenges us to consider the ways in which we approach belief and encourages us to embrace a deeper, more exact understanding of faith.As we reflect on our Lord's words to Thomas, may we too be open to the invitation to move from a place of unbelief to belief, and to embrace a faith that goes beyond what our hands can touch.

“Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”

"1 Corinthians 13:8 encapsulates the enduring power and resilience of love. Love, as an unwavering force of compassion, transcends societal divisions and fosters unity. It withstands the challenges of time and adversity, offering solace and strength. Love's self-sacrificial nature inspires acts of kindness and generosity, fostering personal growth and social progress. While love may encounter obstacles throughout its journey, it never truly fails. Its unwavering nature serves as a testament to its transformational power and offers a guiding light to those seeking meaning and connection in an often chaotic and uncertain world."

“Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown."

The Bible consistently emphasises the power of kindness. It showcases how kindness can break down barriers, heal wounds, foster forgiveness, and have a lasting impact on individuals and communities. As believers, we are called to embody this transformative power of kindness and spread it to those around us, just as Christ has shown us.

“Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets." (Mark 12:38-39)

God's disapproval of falsehood, the prohibition against bearing false witness, and Jesus Christ's teachings all reinforce the significance of honesty in leading a virtuous life. By adhering to this biblical definition, individuals can foster trust, promote fairness, and strengthen their moral character.

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5

"At its core, unity involves setting aside personal differences and individual self-interests for the greater good. It necessitates recognising the value and importance of working together towards shared objectives, acknowledging that collective efforts often yield more profound and lasting outcomes than isolated ventures."

In conclusion, true leadership is not merely about holding a position of authority, but about exhibiting qualities such as integrity, empathy, and courage. True leaders inspire and influence their people towards a shared vision, creating an environment where individuals can thrive and collectively achieve success.

The Cross represents the ultimate act of sacrifice. We believe that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly gave up his life on a cross to atone for the sins of humanity. This act of selflessness demonstrates the depths of God's love and serves as a model for us to emulate in our own lives. For us, the Cross is not merely a symbol, but a reminder of the central message of our faith - God's love and the offer of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice.

Father Smpad and Father Ashod discussed about having or showing our faith through work. As Christians, we are called to maintain Faith through good deeds and cherish a lifestyle where our faith will no longer need a representation.(Eph 2:8-10)

Listen to Deacon Menas Arisian, Shahen Ohanian and Sevag Boyadjian sharing their experience of being members of the Armenian Apostolic Church with our host Fr. Smpad Saboundjian. From listening to the "Badarak" during road trips to participating during Divine Liturgy and everything in between.

"Our Lord Jesus despite of him being unjustly accused and sentenced to death, he forgave his executioners, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). This act of forgiveness demonstrated Christ's love and mercy towards humanity. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul further emphasised the importance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. He urged believers to "forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). We are called to extend forgiveness to others, regardless of the nature or severity of the offense, just as God forgives us. Forgiveness in Christianity is seen to restore relationships, and grant healing."

"Identifying as Armenians is part of our existence, we do our best to teach our children the Armenian culture, with all its branches, starting with the national values, continuing with Armenian history, we teach them everything related to Armenia."BUT"We can not separate our National belonging from the spiritual one, they are united, that's how it was, and it shall continue to be."

There are numerous reasons why we should cherish a Christian lifestyle. From providing moral guidance and fostering a sense of community to promoting personal growth and encouraging selfless service, the Christian lifestyle has much to offer. By embracing and upholding the teachings and values of Christianity, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to building a more compassionate, just, and prosperous world for all.