Divine Liturgy Celebrated at the Birmingham Armenian Mission Parish

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the faithful of the Birmingham Armenian Mission Parish gathered in prayer and fellowship for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, welcoming a visiting clergyman from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Reverend Fr. Movses Sargsyan, a member of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, while His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland, presided over the service.

During his sermon, Fr. Movses reflected on the Gospel passage concerning the Sign of the Prophet Jonah (Matthew 12:38–42). He explained that Jonah’s three days in the belly of the great fish prefigured the three days that Christ spent in the tomb before His glorious Resurrection. The sign of Jonah, he noted, is a profound reminder of God’s mercy, the power of repentance, and the victory of life over death.

Fr. Movses encouraged the faithful to respond to God’s call with sincere repentance and renewed faith. Just as the people of Nineveh listened to Jonah and turned back to God, Christians today are called to examine their lives, deepen their prayer, and embrace the transforming grace of Christ. The Resurrection of our Lord remains the greatest sign given to humanity, offering hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Hovakim thanked Fr. Movses for his ministry and spiritual reflections. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their Christian vocation, drawing strength from the rich spiritual heritage of the Armenian Church and continuing to build vibrant parish communities throughout the Diocese.

Following the service, parishioners and guests gathered for a joyful social reception, where they enjoyed traditional Armenian food and a barbecue. The fellowship provided a valuable opportunity for members of the community to meet, strengthen friendships, and share in the warmth of Armenian hospitality.

May Almighty God continue to bless the Birmingham Armenian Mission Parish and all who faithfully serve the life and mission of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland.