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Primate’s Message on Stewardship
The lesson the Apostle wants to impart is that everything we have - our possessions, our talents, our time on this earth, our very bodies and spirits - are, in the first place, gifts that a generous God has imparted to us. As human beings and creatures of God, we are managers of those gifts-stewards, to use in the Biblical term - who have been entrusted by the Lord to put those gifts to godly uses. Stewardship, then, is the privilege by which we share directly in God’s work. It is a lifestyle that acknowledges accountability and responsibility before God for what we have received by His grace. A true Steward takes up this task in a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, returning to the Lord and His church the good things that have blessed our lives. And once given back to God, our gifts, both spiritual and material, are consecrated into works of mercy that carry forward the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ in this world. It’s a beautiful idea - and a glorious opportunity for every faithful soul to undertake: becoming personally involved in the mission of our church, and the never-ending ministry of our Lord. Wouldn’t you consider becoming a steward of your church by supporting your local parish and your diocese? Your commitment will help us actively move forward. With prayers, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan Primate |
Saint Paul asks a question that cuts to the heart of the concept of Stewardship. “What do you have that you did not receive?” he writes to the early church in Corinth (1 Cor 4:7)-and it’s a question that Scripture poses to us, as well, some 2,000 years later.