On the Feast of the Holy Translators, we turn again to the saintly heroes who gave our people an alphabet to express our unique, native language; allowed us to approach the Holy Scriptures in our own tongue; exemplified for all time a way of living shaped by learning, wisdom, and integrity—instead of superstition, selfishness, and deceit.

Even 16 centuries later, we still benefit from the gifts they gave. But what lessons do they hold for us, in our very different world? Are their actions relevant to our lives today?

In amazing ways, the world of the Holy Translators—the 5th century AD—was strikingly similar to our own.  They too faced a society where messages were confused and manipulated; a society that lacked transparency; where sacred language was often twisted to serve political ends.

The spirit of the Holy Translators sought to cut through the noise of the age—to gain clarity. The very first words they translated from the bible were: “To gain wisdom and instruction… to do what is right, just, and fair” (Proverbs 1:2–3).

What can we learn from the Holy Translators today?

First, put Truth above all: They translated faithfully, tried to identify and understand the best sources, and never tried to insert their own agendas into the words. We too must place truth first: ensure the credibility of our sources; give time to understand different sides and perspectives; reject secrecy, propaganda, manipulation, and favor transparency and forthrightness.

Second, favor Depth over speed: They labored with patience, resisted distraction, and brought things to completion. We too should resist quick outrage, look beyond the immediate and superficial, reserve judgment until we have a grasp of the full picture, not just a partial “snapshot” or rumor.

Third, exalt Service before power: The Translators built schools and formed consciences. They worked from the ground up, did not impose from the top down.  Their work solidified the Armenians of many regions into one people. In the same way, we cannot permit our sacred heritage to be made a weapon against each other; we must use it to build in way that will strengthen our people overall—and that honors the image of God in each of us.

Fourth, prioritize Prayer before speech or action: They understood that acknowledging our humility before God was the first step before any interaction with man.  We too must speak and act in the knowledge that God’s eyes are upon us; that our goal is to enact His will. We should invest our faith into living institutions, so they will be trustworthy, accountable, and attentive to the common good.

From these lessons, consider these as concrete steps for today:

For every believer:

Refuse gossip and dehumanizing speech—online and in person. Correct gently; share responsibly.

Practice transparent governance and stewardship; set a public standard of integrity.

For public servants and leaders:

Safeguard freedom of conscience and the dignity of every person.

Speak with clarity, avoid manipulating sacred language, and welcome independent oversight.

Seek the common good above party interest; build platforms where diaspora and homeland collaborate for lasting benefit.

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The Church is God’s gift to our people; it does not belong to any single party. It is the thread that weaves through our history, tying us to all the Armenians of past generations, giving meaning to their achievements and sacrifices—and assuring us, too, of a future to be inherited by our children.

Our homeland is also a great blessing: the physical expression of “nationhood” that unites all Armenians.  Of necessity its practical, day to day existence is the arena of politics, with competing voices and parties. But for that action to have any meaning, it must be informed and guided by the values of mind, heart, and spirit that have exemplified the Armenian people at our best.

Lessons of a Golden Age:

The Golden Age of the Holy Translators is not only a memory of the past; it is also an aspiration to guide us in the present.

In creating the Armenian alphabet, the Translators gave us a tool to bring light and knowledge.  They knew that it was a tool that could cut both ways: could be used to elevate us, but also could be used for debased purposes. It could be used to express Truth, or to mouth mere slogans.  They had faith that the Armenians who followed them would choose the to use this tool in the best and highest way.

The model of the Golden Age is one where mercy, beauty, and justice can flower. It begins with small acts of devotion that multiply: a family praying together, a student discovering Narek, a parish supporting counseling for the traumatized, a community funding a translation or a scholarship. God gathers these seeds and, through His grace, makes them a harvest.

Beloved children of our Church, let us become “living letters” of Christ, as St. Paul says—letters that anyone can read in our speech, our work, and our service. Through the prayers of the Holy Translators, may the Lord purify our minds from confusion, deepen our hearts beyond superficiality, and free our witness from manipulation—so that we may walk a straight path, do what is right, just, and fair, and perhaps begin to usher in a new Golden Age for Armenia and Diaspora.