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The idea of eternity is both abstract and imminent. Armenians have contemplated this idea for centuries. The symbol of eternity predates the Christian era in Armenia, representing the eternal nature of life, love, and faith. In Christianity, the hope for eternal life is a central tenant of faith. But sometimes, the notion of eternity only makes us think about the future and forget the present. 

I conceptualize eternity as a continuum. It is a journey where those who existed before us are very much present, and every generation adds a link to the “Magical Chain” that invisibly connects us, as Vahan Terian, the Armenian poet, describes it. 

The Present
Yesterday, we turned the sanctuary of St. Sarkis Church and the Pagoumian Hall into a recording studio with lights, teleprompters, microphones, and cameras. We recorded the first of four video lessons for our Salt & Light Youth Ministry. We invited graduates from our program to participate in this project, and they eagerly accepted the invitation. The lesson was scripted, and there was not much room for improvisation. The second part of the project was to film a promotional video on the Salt & Light program of St. Sarkis Church. Mrs. Nyrie Bedrossian asked the young participants a series of questions about the program's impact on their lives and the lessons they have learned throughout the years. I was so impressed with the insight that our young adults provided. I was so pleased to hear their testimonies that the investment we made throughout the years has significantly impacted their lives. I felt ecstatic. 

The Past
During our Board of Trustees meeting last night, Mrs. Alina Kocoumian, our church Treasurer, reported receiving $9000 from Mary Sheshedian Estate Disbursement. Mrs. Mery Sheshedia passed in February of this year and was born on July 26, 1927, in Sunnyside, Queens. She was an active member of the St. Illuminator's Choir and AYF, where she met her husband Samuel Sheshedian. They got married in 1951 and were active participants in church life. Mary was known for her excellent baking skills, particularly her choregs, and her talent for crocheting. She loved to read and listen to Armenian music and enjoyed traveling with her husband. Mary was described as warm, outgoing, compassionate, and kind and was known for her deep faith. Mary and Samuel were active members of St. Sarkis Church senior Citizens group. Mery’s generosity to include St. Sarkis Church in her will is truly remarkable because it shows how much she loved and cared for her church. 

The Eternity
The young adults who volunteered in yesterday's filming may never have known Mary Sheshedian, just like I have never met Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian, our church's greatest benefactor, but we feel their presence because, without their investment, we wouldn’t be where we are today. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us the eternal truth:  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20). Our true treasure is God, and our hearts should be attached to the true treasure. Yet, those who see the church as God’s tangible presence on earth give their hearts to God through service, time, talents, and resources, and these gifts do not go unnoticed because “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you”(Matthew 6:6). 

Prayerfully,