To be called to holiness is not merely an invitation to personal piety—it is a summons to transformation, both individually and collectively. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God sets apart His people, not for privilege, but for purpose: to reflect His character to the world. “Be holy, for I am holy,” God declares (Leviticus 11:44), echoing through generations as a divine refrain. Holiness is not about perfectionism or withdrawal from the world. Rather, it is about embodying love, justice, mercy, and humility in our daily lives. It’s about allowing God to shape our hearts so that our actions—how we speak, serve, forgive, and relate—bear the imprint of His grace. As a holy people, we are to live differently, not out of superiority, but to bear witness to a better way: the way of Christ. This calling challenges our comfort and confronts our compromises. It invites us to be distinct—not by being louder or more judgmental—but by being more loving, truthful, and compassionate. Holiness is not isolation; it’s integration—faith made visible in how we live in our homes, communities, and world. To answer the call to become a holy people is to say yes to a lifelong journey of being set apart—not from the world, but for the world. For in living as a holy people, we reflect the holiness of the One who calls us, God. Therefore, this calling is not for a few, but for all who follow Christ. Together, we grow into holiness, encouraging one another and bearing witness to the hope, peace, and justice of God’s kingdom. Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian | 