Today marks the beginning of a new year, and the beginning of a new journey in my family’s life. I have been assigned as the pastor of St. John Armenian Church, and will take up my duties as soon as we are able to relocate ourselves to the City by the Bay.

For the past two and a half years you may have followed our experiences in Armenia on this blog, flickr, twitter, or Facebook, etc…, where I studied and prepared my mind and spirit for the calling of the Priesthood. By the grace of God, this period of time was fruitful and strengthened not only my vocation, but Annie’s as well. We returned to the United States with the blessing of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to continue our mission and serve our people.

Now, we look onto this new path thats laid before us and we are indescribably humbled. I am humbled that the faithful of St. John Armenian Church have given me the opportunity to be their pastor. I have some small faith in my abilities, more faith in my wife to be my support and my inspiration, and great faith that God will guide us where we falter.

As we start this new chapter in our lives, I’m going to take today’s gospel reading to heart. I’m going to make it my anthem, my motto for the rest of the year. Christ says,

Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. – Luke 22:26

With the Lord’s help, youth and humility are going to be standards of my service. Youth is ignorance in the wisdom of men, which can be corrupt and conceited. Instead, it’s a type wisdom that flows truth and boldness. Humility is the most valuable of all virtues. The humble cast away their ego and their pride and become God’s tools for good. Without humility love couldn’t exist in this world.

I will fall short of these ideals… constantly. However, I pray that God grants me, and all us, the strength to pursue them relentlessly. Please join me in this prayer, and follow us as we begin this new journey in our lives.