The Armenian Church celebrates one of its four feasts dedicated to the Holy Cross, the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak. Just as the cross has four sides, our Church honors the cross with four holy days—because we believe that through the cross, salvation was given to us.
In this sermon, we reflect on a powerful and challenging passage from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus speaks about the end times. We hear about “the sign of the Son of Man” appearing in heaven—traditionally understood as the cross of Christ.
Jesus calls us to learn from the fig tree and to recognize the seasons of our lives. Like the fig tree that blossoms in spring and withers in autumn, our lives also move through seasons, times of joy and fruitfulness, and times of dryness and difficulty. Yet in every season, one truth remains: God is with us. Emmanuel, God with us, is not just a Christmas hymn; it is the reality of every moment of our lives.
Whether in times of celebration, like the wedding at Cana, or in moments of sorrow, like standing at the foot of the cross, Jesus walks with us. His presence brings grace and strength in both joy and suffering.
May this reflection encourage you to embrace every season of your life with faith, hope, and trust in the One who is always near.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:30–36
Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
