Why I Want to See You in Church - By Bishop Hovakim Manukyan
When I look out at the congregation on a Sunday morning, I am always glad to see familiar faces—and especially glad to welcome someone new or someone who has been away for a while. I also notice those who are missing. I wonder how they are, whether they need help, and whether we have done enough to stay in touch.
Recently, rain, strong winds, and disruptions on the Underground have made getting to church difficult. I understand that. For some of you, illness, age, work, or family responsibilities make attendance a real challenge. You remain part of our church family, even when you cannot be with us.
But these recent Sundays have also made me think about how we make time for the things we love.
Many of you know that I enjoy running along the riverside. Rain or sunshine, I try to go out every morning. I regularly run ten kilometres, sometimes twenty or twenty-five. I can share my Strava route if you need proof!
A friend recently reminded me that running has a place in the Gospel too. On Easter morning, after Mary Magdalene reported that the stone had been removed from Jesus’ tomb, Peter and the other disciple - traditionally identified as John - set off together. “Both were running,” the Gospel tells us (John 20:3–4).
They did not yet understand what had happened, but they hurried towards the place where they would discover the empty tomb. Their eagerness gives me something to think about: do we bring that same desire to our own encounter with Christ?
There are mornings when going outside for a run takes an effort. Yet I go because I know how much it helps me. Running gives me space to think and helps me face the day.
That has led me to ask myself: do I bring the same commitment to prayer? Do I give God my attention, or only whatever time is left after everything else?
I ask myself these questions as a bishop, because being busy with church work does not automatically mean making time to be still before God. I too need to stop, listen and pray.
Perhaps you recognise that struggle. A week passes in work, messages, appointments and responsibilities. By Sunday, we are tired. We tell ourselves we will come to church next week. Before long, several weeks have passed.
Yet often it is when we feel most tired or burdened that we most need time with God.
You do not have to arrive at church feeling cheerful, peaceful, or certain about everything. Come as you are. Bring the worry you cannot put into words, the grief you carry quietly, or the question that troubles you. Bring your gratitude too.
During the Divine Liturgy, we place all this before God. We hear His word, join in the prayers of the Church, and draw near to Christ in Holy Communion. We receive strength for the life waiting for us outside.
Jesus tells us: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). I find great comfort in that promise. When we gather, Christ is among us. Whatever kind of week we have had, we can turn towards Him together.
And we need one another.
Your presence may mean more to someone than you realise. A greeting, a conversation over coffee, or simply sitting beside someone can ease their loneliness. You may discover that a person you see every Sunday is going through a difficult time. You may find the courage to share a difficulty of your own.
This is the kind of church family I hope we will continue to build: one in which we notice one another and make time to care.
I particularly want our children to experience that belonging. I want them to know the prayers and hymns of our Church, to feel at home in worship, and to discover that faith has something to say to their lives. They learn how much church matters partly by seeing the place we give it in our own lives.
And if you have been away for a long time, please do not feel embarrassed about returning. You do not owe me an explanation. I will be glad to see you.
There is a familiar saying: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” All of us need God’s mercy. All of us have things to learn and occasions to begin again. That includes your bishop.
So, as Sunday approaches, I invite you to make room for worship. Check the journey, arrange a lift if you need one, or invite someone to come with you. If getting to church is difficult, please let us know so that we can see how to help.
Come to pray, to listen, to give thanks, and to find strength. Come because you belong, and because your presence matters.
I look forward to seeing you. Bring your children, your family, and your friends.
May God bless you all.