Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian

Charitable deeds

“The greatest benefactor in the world has been Our Lord Jesus Christ” says Fr. Shahe Hayrapetian, Spiritual Pastor of Diocesan Headquarters Church of St. Sarkis, Yerevan

Does only leading God-pleasing life mean doing charitable deeds?

The most important factor for doing charitable deeds is that human being should worship God, which is expressed in prayers, virtues, mercifulness, good image and many kind deeds. It should be mentioned that all the above mentioned should be done with devotion and love which is the crown of all of them. It is written in the Holy Bible, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Co 13:11-13).

It is better to have wise friends than many treasures because in the moment of trouble friends will help the human being and not treasures.

Human being’s wisest friends are first of all parents, and then - relatives and intimates who help the human being in need. Also teachers are very important, especially those who attract human being’s attention to the spiritual literature. Presently our young generation is happy because of absence of atheism. People completely understand the importance of religion and faith and are free in their spiritual life. Since childhood children receive Christian education, realize the responsibility of their deeds. Happy are those people who are concordant with their spouse and do all God-pleasing deeds together.

If you wish people to be kind to you and to do charitable deeds, first of all you yourself should be kind to the others.

Unfortunately, it is not always so. The greatest benefactor in the world has been Our Lord Jesus Christ, and however, He was crucified. Kindness was rewarded by malice. It is necessary to be very wise in order not to lose our kindness and will to do charitable deeds.

Kind and useful deeds should be done in secret, without anticipation of special praise, but expecting reward by God.

I agree, as it is distinctly written about it in the Holy Bible: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Mt 6:1-4).