“Peace be with you”: Bishop Hovakim Manukyan Celebrates the Resurrection at St Yeghiche Armenian Church in London
London, 5 April 2026 — Proclaiming the life-giving message of the Resurrection, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Easter Day at St Yeghiche Armenian Church, bringing together the faithful in a spirit of joy, hope, and renewal.
At the heart of the celebration resounded the words of the Risen Lord: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). In his Easter message, Bishop Hovakim invited the congregation to reflect on the deep meaning of this greeting, offered by Christ to His disciples in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
“The world today is thirsting for peace,” the Bishop said, noting that even distant conflicts continue to affect lives and communities. He spoke of the suffering of people in regions of war and instability, as well as the divisions experienced within societies, both in the homeland and across the diaspora.
Drawing from the Gospel, Bishop Hovakim reflected on the moment when Christ appeared among His disciples, who were gathered behind closed doors, burdened by fear, confusion, and the memory of the Cross.
“It is precisely in that fear,” he said, “that Christ brings peace—not condemnation, but restoration; not division, but unity.”
Emphasising the spiritual depth of the Feast, the Bishop underlined that the Resurrection is not only the victory over death, but the healing of the human heart and the restoration of humanity. He reminded the faithful that true peace is not of this world, but a divine gift that transforms lives.
Referencing the reflections of C. S. Lewis, Bishop Hovakim noted that suffering can become a means through which God calls humanity back to truth, breaking illusions of self-sufficiency and opening the heart to grace.
In a message marked by pastoral warmth and spiritual urgency, he called on the faithful to embody the fruits of the Resurrection in their daily lives:
“To believe in the Resurrection means to forgive when it is difficult, to love even when wounded, and to see in every person not an enemy, but a brother or sister for whom Christ died and rose.”
The Divine Liturgy concluded with prayers for peace in the world, for unity within communities, and for those suffering from conflict and injustice. The faithful departed strengthened in faith, carrying with them the light of the Resurrection and the enduring greeting of the Risen Christ: “Peace be with you.”
