Bishop Hovakim Preaches on the Healing of the Hardened Heart at St Sarkis Church

London, 26 July 2026 – During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan preached at St Sarkis Armenian Church in London, reflecting on the Gospel reading from Matthew 19:3–12 and St Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians (6:15–20; 7:1–9).

In his sermon, Bishop Hovakim centred his message on Christ’s words concerning the “hardness of heart,” explaining that the deepest cause of broken relationships is not external circumstances but the gradual hardening of the human heart. He noted that families, friendships, and communities are rarely destroyed by a single event, but rather through silence, unforgiveness, pride, and the loss of genuine love.

Reflecting on the sanctity of Christian marriage, the Bishop reminded the faithful that marriage is not merely a legal arrangement but a sacred covenant established by God from the beginning of creation. Quoting Christ’s words, “What God has joined together, let no one separate,” he encouraged married couples to cultivate humility, forgiveness, and prayer as the foundations of a strong and lasting family life.

Drawing on the teaching of St John Chrysostom, Bishop Hovakim observed that a Christian home is sustained not by wealth or outward beauty but by humility, patience, and mutual love, becoming a “little church” where Christ is present.

The Bishop also emphasised that the Gospel is ultimately a message of hope. Recalling the prophecy of Ezekiel -“I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” - he explained that Christ came not merely to give new commandments, but to renew the human heart through His saving love. Referring to St Paul’s words that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, he called the faithful to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love in every relationship.

Concluding his sermon, Bishop Hovakim reminded the congregation that the Church proclaims the truth with both faithfulness and mercy, extending Christ’s healing to all, especially those carrying the wounds of broken relationships. He invited everyone to pray for hearts softened by God’s grace, so that families, communities, and the Church itself may become living witnesses to the love of Christ.