The Divine Liturgy: Path to Holiness

R. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian, DMin

The Last Supper, painted by Fr. Barouyr

Sometimes, we view the Armenian Divine Liturgy as an abstract concept, separate from our daily lives. However, it's crucial to recognize that the Divine Liturgy is deeply intertwined with our everyday existence. This article aims to shed light on the significance of the Divine Liturgy and its potential benefits in our lives.

         The Divine Liturgy serves a purpose beyond mere church attendance. It embodies a deeper spiritual journey, particularly for believers of Christ. Holiness, a concept often overlooked in today's society, is not reserved for dedicated individuals like priests or church servants. Instead, it's a path and journey for every believer seeking communion with Christ. St. Paul says in his letter to the First Thessalonians: "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness" (4:7), and St. Peter in his epistle says: "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). These are a few statements that prove the fact that holiness is everyone's calling, and not only selected people.

         The Divine Liturgy acts as a sacrament, renewing us in God's grace. True wholeness involves being detached from the world while remaining connected to it. As the Holy Bible states, the citizens of heaven are simply described as "citizens of heaven." That means washing away the sins that we commit and revitalizing the grace of the Holy Spirit within us, to declare that we are on earth and we do not belong to the world.

         Wholeness requires us to infuse the power of grace into our daily lives. This transformation process is facilitated by the divided energies within us. Simply participating in the Divine Liturgy, attending church, and reciting prayers may not suffice. That is why some of us do not experience anything else but a feeling of "peace." Sometimes we feel enough and do not take a step deeper into the spirituality of the sacrament.

         The Divine Liturgy is a commemoration of the salvation Jesus brought through His earthly ministry. Every Sunday, when we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, we remember that we are reborn and recall the life of Christ. Through His life, we witness how human nature is elevated from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. Jesus taught us through His life and ministry how to remain spiritually awake while living in the world.

         We possess the tools to leave behind worldly distractions and demonstrate the power of grace and the Holy Spirit. By worldly distractions I do not mean not to do anything other than spiritual "work," but to see everything with Christ's eyes and act through the Holy Spirit. Every Sunday, as we reflect on the life of Christ, we feel renewed in Him. We are reminded that He is the Truth, the Life, and the Resurrection, which are the three necessities of human beings to survive on earth.

         Therefore, through the Divine Liturgy, we discover the purpose of our lives and commit to walking the same path that Jesus did. Living holiness, in the first place, means living Christ's life and ministry on earth. When we align our lives with Christ's ministry and life, we become aware of His presence in our daily lives. Living Christ means feeling His presence and influence in every aspect of our lives: our jobs, schools, and family. It means seeking His will in everything and being His representative everywhere.

         I understand that this may seem challenging, especially when we are busy with various responsibilities. However, it's in these busy moments that we can learn and grow.

         Remembering Christ and reflecting on His actions and teachings is already a significant step towards holiness. In other words, living the Divine Liturgy in our everyday lives.

         As individuals, our purpose is to pursue holiness. Embracing this path offers a unique perspective and spirituality to our lives. When we prioritize this over mere rituals or services that provide temporary comfort, we truly engage in the Divine Liturgy and embark on a journey towards spiritual growth.

         Many saints have already walked this path. Join us, accompany us, and support us on this journey. Jesus guides us, just as Moses did, through the Red Sea, the desert, and into a new home: God's kingdom.

         Here, we will cherish the Divine Liturgy every Sunday. Otherwise, participating in this sacred and rich service will be insufficient when we commit ourselves to holiness. That's where our power and strength reside.