Armenian Lacrosse Coach Reads Old Testament’s ‘Behold, I Am Sending My Messenger’ at Akhtala Fortress Monastery on Day 11 of Bible Tour

Armenian Lacrosse co-founder and coach Johnny Mouradian continued his 12-day Bible reading tour across Armenia on Friday, visiting the historic Akhtala Fortress Monastery in northern Armenia.

Mouradian’s eleventh reading came from the third chapter of Malachi in the Old Testament and described the coming of the Lord and the messenger sent to prepare the way.

“Behold, I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare my ways before me,” Mouradian read. “And suddenly the Lord, whom you seek, will come to his temple.”

The passage also describes the arrival of the “messenger of the covenant.”

“The messenger of the covenant, whom you desire — behold, he is coming, says the Lord Almighty,” Mouradian read.

The reading asks who will be able to endure his arrival and compares his work to a refining fire and cleansing soap.

“Who will endure the day of his entry, or will remain in peace at the time of his appearance?” Mouradian read. “For he shall be like a refiner’s flame and like a launderer’s soap.”

The Aug. 21 video followed Mouradian’s visit to the Khachkar open-air workshop in Zovuni, outside Yerevan, where artisans are helping build the monumental statue of Jesus Christ planned for Mount Hatis.

During Thursday’s stop, Mouradian read from the Gospel of Luke, recounting Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s blessing of Mary and the child she was carrying.

Mouradian ended Friday’s reading with the invitation he has repeated throughout the tour.

“As always, bring a friend to church, bring a family member to church this Sunday and every Sunday,” Mouradian said. “Join the movement.”

Mouradian began the biblical road trip Aug. 11 at the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan and has released a new Bible reading each day.

Earlier stops included the Mesrop Mashtots statue outside the Matenadaran, the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, Geghard Monastery, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church and the Zovuni workshop.

The 12-day journey is scheduled to conclude Saturday at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Mouradian created the tour to encourage Armenians to attend church and invite friends and family members to join them each Sunday.

The daily videos are being published across Armenian Lacrosse’s social media platforms and website.

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