A Thanksgiving message from Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan

Published: Friday November 27, 2009

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a significant holiday that we all share. On this occasion I extend my love and best wishes to you and your families.

In our Armenian liturgical calendar we have holidays of thanksgiving, such as our beautiful Blessing of the Grapes ceremony which we commemorate every summer. By blessing the grapes we are asking God's blessings for the entire year's bountiful harvest. With the blessing of the four comers of the world (Andastan) we renew our commitment to being good stewards of the earth that has been entrusted to our care by the Almighty.

On this Thanksgiving of 2009, I encourage you to open your hearts to receive God. Let us renew our thanks and our devotion to our heavenly parent, whose blessings surround us not only on this day but always. May we never cease to be grateful for the blessings we receive.

On this national day of thanksgiving let us honor and praise Almighty God. Let us pray that His generous bounty will continue to grace us. Let us further resolve to share the munificent blessings we enjoy with our fellow human beings throughout the world.

Dear faithful friends, as you gather together on this thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones, may you be filled with happiness and contentment in the true spirit of thanksgiving.

Raise your voices, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20)

Prelate

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Eastern United States of America