The Right to Life: "Thou shalt not kill"


The most famous saying of the Ten Commandments is: Thou shalt not kill. It enshrines the right to life of man. This limits the right of man to kill, to take the life of another. It is a duty so that your life is also protected. In other words, do not kill, so that you are not killed too. Here the right-duty relationship is visible. How can the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" define our rights and duties? Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan comments.

Mary's Hymn (1:46-56)


According to Luke, Mary said, “My soul will magnify the Lord, and my spirit will rejoice in God my Savior, for he has looked upon the lowliness of his handmaid; and from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Lord Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his name.” This part of the hymn is a proclamation of the fact that the Mother of God knows what is happening. Being a young virgin, not having much experience, not having known life, despite being inspired by the Holy Spirit, she is able to clearly express that what is happening in her life is with the blessing of God. What is the hymn of the Mother of God presented in verses 46-56 of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke about? Father Markos Mangasaryan explains.

The right to life: "suicide and self-sacrifice"


In the Christian understanding, life does not belong to anyone, since the source of life is God, therefore, encroachment on the life of another is a gross violation of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill,” but encroachment on one’s own life is also a gross violation. Why does Jesus say that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin among all kinds of sins, and how is it equivalent to choosing death by suicide? Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan comments.

The birth and circumcision of John the Baptist (1:57-66)


Luke the Evangelist focuses on human emotions in a unique way. How are the birth and circumcision of John the Baptist presented in verses 57-66 of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke? Father Markos Mangasaryan comments.

Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth (1:39-45)


Luke writes in the Gospel: Mary went with haste to Elizabeth to share her joy. And when she entered the house of Zechariah, she greeted Elizabeth, and the baby leaped in her womb. Immediately after these words, Luke says: Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, verses 39-45, the visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth is presented. Father Markos Mangasaryan comments.

The Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus (1:26-38)


Luke the Evangelist says that the Archangel Gabriel came to Joseph, who was engaged to be married, whose name was Mary. The Evangelist emphasizes by this that they were not married. Hence, the Christian Church had to tell about the eternal virginity of the Holy Virgin Mary, the immaculate, without any trace of sin, coming into the world of Christ. How is the Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus presented in verses 26-38 of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke? Father Markos Mangasaryan comments.

The Annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist (1:5-25) Part 2


John means “The Lord is gracious.” He must have been filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, must not have drunk wine or strong drink, and must have been great before God. All of this describes one of the religious movements of that period, the Nazarene movement, whose representatives had such behavior and manners.
Father Markos Mangasaryan interprets verses 5-25 of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, where the Annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist is presented.
 

Judicial Authority in the Bible Part 2


Why does the example of God's judgment imply forgiveness for all those who repent of their actions, including apostasy? Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan explains.

Easter in the World


On April 5, the Feast of the Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ united Armenians around the world. The Catholicos of All Armenians celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral.
Celebrations were held in all Armenian churches. The Easter message of the Armenian Patriarch was read in all churches of dioceses around the world. The Patriarchal speech is a guide for Armenians living thousands of miles away from their homeland, as well as a call to use personal abilities for the national interest.

The Annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist (1:5-25) Part 1


Luke wrote his Gospel in a documented, accurate, and verified manner, but at the beginning of his Gospel he speaks of two great supernatural events, miracles, which are practically impossible to prove. The first of these is the episode of the Annunciation of John the Baptist, where he presents the appearance of an angel. The second is the episode of the meeting of Mary and the angel. Verses 5-25 of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke are dedicated to the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. Father Markos Mangasaryan leaves.

 

Judicial Authority in the Holy Scriptures Part 1


Jesus says, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” and adds, “With what judgment you judge, you will be judged.” Why should the court today be called to resemble the divine, heavenly court? Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan explains.

The vow of ordination


What obligations does a clergyman assume during the ordination ceremony? How does the vow of ordination differ from the Christian vows and promises of an ordinary believer?
How does a clergyman express his commitment to keeping that vow, and what trials may he face?
The topic was discussed by clergymen of various ranks.