“He is not here; He has risen”: Bishop Hovakim Proclaims the Light of the Resurrection in Manchester
Manchester, 4 April 2026 — “He is not here; He has risen” (Luke 24:6). With these Gospel words, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan led the faithful into the mystery of the Resurrection during the Easter Vigil (Service of Light) at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester.
Celebrating the Divine Liturgy on Holy Saturday evening, the Bishop invited the community to enter spiritually into the stillness of the first Easter morning. Recalling the journey of the myrrh-bearing women to the tomb, he reflected on their faithfulness, courage, and love—virtues that led them to become the first witnesses of the Risen Christ.
In his homily, Bishop Hovakim emphasised that the Resurrection is not simply an event of the past, but the very foundation of Christian life.
“This is not merely a return from death,” he said, “but the defeat of death itself—revealing Christ’s glory and opening the way to new life for all humanity.”
Drawing on the writings of C. S. Lewis, he reminded the faithful that the mystery of the Resurrection cannot be fully explained, yet it can be embraced in faith and lived in daily life. Referencing Scott Hahn, he added that God’s love always comes first, and that the human response to this love leads to an encounter with the Risen Lord.
The Bishop further reflected on the inner transformation required of every believer: the rolling away of the stone from the heart, the death of the old self, and the emergence of new life in Christ. Echoing the words of Seraphim of Sarov, he encouraged the faithful to “acquire the Spirit of peace,” so that their lives might become a living witness to the Resurrection.
Making reference to the biblical account of the three youths in the fiery furnace, the Bishop highlighted the victory of life over death: just as the youths were not consumed by the fire, so too Christ entered into death and transformed it from within.
The Armenian liturgical tradition of the Easter Vigil was marked by the solemn Service of Light, as candles were lit and shared among the faithful—symbolising the light of Christ emerging from the tomb and illuminating the world. The congregation received this light as a sign of hope, carrying it into their homes and hearts.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the joyful celebration continued with a communal luncheon organised by members of the parish, with proceeds dedicated to supporting a local school initiative—an expression of the Resurrection lived through service and generosity.
Concluding his message, Bishop Hovakim called upon all present not only to celebrate the Resurrection, but to embody it:
“Today we are called not only to remember, but to live the Resurrection—so that the light of Christ may shine through us into the world.”
The service ended with the traditional proclamation:
“Christ is risen from the dead.”