From Humble Manger to Eternal Heavenly Glory

Bishop Hovakim Manukyan reflects on the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God

On Sunday, 16 August 2026, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God at St Yeghiche Armenian Church in London.

In his homily, Bishop Hovakim reflected on the journey of the Virgin Mary, Sourp Asdvadzadzin, from the humble manger of Bethlehem to heavenly glory. He recalled that although there was no room for Mary and the Christ Child in the inn, the humble manger became one of the holiest places in the world through the presence of Christ.

“The glory of God does not always appear through human greatness, comfort or power,” the Bishop said. “It is often revealed through humility, silence, self-giving and even hardship.”

The Virgin Mary’s greatness, he explained, was rooted in her humility, faithfulness and complete surrender to God’s will. Her response to the Annunciation - “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” - remains an example for every Christian.

Bishop Hovakim invited the faithful to consider whether they make room for Christ amid the work, worries, fears and demands of daily life. Mary’s heart, he said, became the dwelling place that the world had failed to offer Christ, and her entire life became a home for the presence of God.

Addressing the serious challenges facing the Armenian Church and nation, Bishop Hovakim urged the faithful not to surrender to fear, bitterness or division.

“The example of the Holy Mother of God gives us courage,” he said. “She remained close to God, steadfast in prayer and faithful to her calling.”

The Bishop emphasised that difficulties are overcome not through anger or hatred, but through strong faith, patience, courage and unity. Present trials, he said, must lead the Armenian people towards deeper prayer, greater solidarity and renewed faithfulness to their Church and homeland.

“Like Mary at the foot of the Cross, we may not always understand why these trials are permitted. Nevertheless, we believe that the Cross is not the end of the story. Beyond the Cross stands the Resurrection; beyond suffering lies hope; and beyond the humble manger lies heavenly glory.”

Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Hovakim conducted the traditional Blessing of Grapes. He explained that grapes, having grown beneath the sun and endured wind and rain, symbolise the spiritual journey through which Christian lives are called to bear good fruit.

The Bishop encouraged the faithful to offer God not only the first fruits of the harvest, but also the best of their hearts: their faith, love, time, gifts and service.

Concluding his homily, Bishop Hovakim prayed that, through the intercession of the Holy Mother of God, the hearts of the faithful might become dwelling places for Christ, their lives gardens filled with good fruit, and their earthly journey a passage “from the humility of the manger to the eternal glory of God.”