Third Sunday Of The Holy Nativity Sunday, February 1, 2026

“O Lord, are our Father; our Redeemer from of old is your name.” (Isaiah 61:11)

God is not only our Creator; above all, He is our Father. A Father who does not rule from afar, but loves from near. A Father who recognizes the voice of His children, sees the pain hidden in their hearts, and waits for their return—even when they have strayed from the true path. Isaiah’s cry, “O Lord, our Father, save us,” is born from this filial awareness: we know to whom we are praying and with what confidence.

We are God’s children not because of our merits, but because of His boundless love. Yet being a son does not mean being without fault. Our lives are often marked by weakness, mistakes, and at times a conscious turning away from God and His holy will. For this reason, we are in need of forgiveness—not as frightened servants, but as repentant sons and daughters who dare to stand before the father and say, “Father, we have sinned.” And the Father, who is rich in mercy, never rejects the sincere prayer of His children.

That God’s name is upon us is not merely a phrase. It is a sign of belonging, a seal of covenant, and a sacred responsibility. From the very beginning—through our birth, our history, and our faith—God has placed His name upon our lives as a light in the darkness and a guide on wandering paths. And when hardships weigh heavily upon us, when trials seem unbearable, we do not pray, “Lord, if You will,” but with bold faith we cry out, “Save us,” because we know that we belong to You.

These words remind us that salvation is not only a promise of the future, but a reality to be lived today. When we carry God’s name in our hearts, in our words, and in our deeds, that name becomes our strength, our protection, and our hope. And no matter how troubled the times may be, no matter how unjust the world becomes, bearing the Lord’s name means that we are never abandoned.

May these words continually echo in our prayers—not only as a request, but as a confession of trust: You are our Lord and our father, and we are Your children. Save us and guide us, for from the beginning and unto eternity, Your holy name rests upon us.

Deacon MIKAYEL MARGARYAN