In Armenia, not far from Yerevan, stands Mount Aragats, which rises 4,090 meters. Anyone who desires can climb this mountain without special equipment.
In September 2022, when the friends from our School gathered for a meeting, the program included a trip to the foot of this peak followed by an ascent.
We hired a bus that brought us to a high-altitude lake at an elevation of about 3,000 meters. The air temperature below was 26 degrees Celsius, while in the mountains it was 5 degrees. We received safety instructions, and then all of us began climbing the mountain together.
At first, our route was fairly gentle, and we set ourselves the goal of reaching a small patch of snow. As it later turned out, it was a sheet of white plastic spread upon the ground.
This was my first time in the mountains, and I was very interested in experiencing with my own hands and feet what it was like. I know many passages in the Bible that speak about mountains and about how our Savior often chose such places to receive or impart special blessings. He also counseled us to flee into the mountains. There is something special in this that is very difficult to explain but can be experienced.
The winds are strong in the mountains, yet at the same time it is very quiet. Majestic landscapes of pristine beauty fill the soul with awe before the Creator of everything around us. The boundless expanses amaze us with their natural harmony and grandeur. The higher the mountain, the fewer signs of life it bears.
When we reached the place where the steep ascent began, part of our group preferred to remain below, while ten people decided to climb higher. Although I was interested in reaching the summit, I wanted to stay with those who were falling behind and needed help. We all scattered across the surface of the mountain, looking for easier routes upward. Eventually, my group and I came to a very steep slope and decided to climb it.
Mount Aragats looks as though someone poured out a heap of stones of different sizes. We climbed over them toward the summit without knowing what awaited us there. Although the air was thin, it was easy to breathe. Every twenty or thirty meters, we had to stop to catch our breath, regain our strength, wait for those falling behind, and take a few pictures. I greatly enjoyed helping those who needed it. It was so joyful to extend a helping hand and lift a friend upward while encouraging that person with cheerful words. Someone found it difficult to carry a backpack, so I had to take that burden upon myself as well.
We were climbing on the sunny side, and I advised everyone to remove their outer clothing so that they would not begin sweating too soon. Although a cold wind was blowing, the blood within us warmed our bodies. How joyful it is, when you are tired from climbing, to help those who are even more tired! No one refused my hand, and this gave me new strength. Halfway up, I understood that the main thing was not to reach the summit but to help my friends if they found it difficult. I even decided to remain with anyone who might be unable to continue. And my love for these people was with me. But my friends proved persistent and confidently crawled upward, never explaining to me what they thought they had left up there.
Our slope was very steep, and because of the rocks we could not see the finish, but by faith we moved forward and upward.
Although climbing requires great strength, you can see the entire surface in front of you and know where to place your foot and what to grasp with your hands. During a descent, it is more difficult to identify a safe place for your foot. It is the same in the spiritual life: it is easier to move upward toward God when you see before you the supporting stones of truth upon which you can plant your feet firmly and, having a solid foundation, pull others upward.
It was very important not to walk directly behind the person ahead, because the mountain has many loose rocks that can shift beneath someone’s weight and fly down upon the heads of those following. Placing a foot poorly upon a rock could also result in a sprain or other injury. By God’s mercy, all of us were preserved from such dangers.
With every step, the summit drew closer and closer. But I rejoiced in the closeness of my friends, who cheerfully crawled upward, maintaining a joyful spirit without hiding their weariness. Although I offered my help, they often declined politely, understanding that I was also carrying a load.
And there it was—the summit! The transition from the slope to the mountain peak was the most dangerous part, because it consisted of small flat stones upon which we could slide downward if we were not careful. We decided to crawl on all fours so that we would not expose ourselves to unnecessary danger. The Creator designed this mountain in an interesting way: He piled large rocks upon it and then covered the top with small stones upon which it was possible to walk safely.
Standing on the summit, each person could behold the beauty of God’s world in every direction and understand what a wonderful Creator he has.
The mountain wilderness delights the eyes but does not fill the stomach. We took out our food supplies and ate them together. Those who had reached the very top before the others had become cold in the chilly wind. Some had headaches and others had stomachaches, but the Lord resolved these problems as well through remedies that our friend Arsen had prepared beforehand.
While standing at the very top, we saw a gentle trail leading downward, though in the completely opposite direction, and decided to descend along it. We divided into pairs and began returning to the bus. It was very far from us, approximately five kilometers away.
During the descent, we did not stop because going downward was easier. But in the mountains, one must not lose vigilance or relax. Holding hands, we descended together, trying to maintain our balance and help our partners maintain theirs. Walking in pairs was easier and safer. Some moved faster, while others fell behind. But the gentle slope ended, and we began moving down a steep descent. Although it was easier and faster, it required greater attention and foresight. Those who had become frightened called me for help. They were frozen in place, not knowing what to do, because it turned out that some of them were afraid of heights. How joyful it was to feel like a rescuer and devise a way out of the situation! I had to explain every movement, hold my friend’s hand firmly, and descend slowly. The presence of a confident companion gave courage to those who found it difficult and frightening. How joyful it is to help those who are weaker and need you! These were indescribable moments of happiness, because you were truly needed and in demand. After completing that descent and reaching a gentler slope, we no longer released one another’s hands, understanding that danger could appear at every step.
Climbing and descending the mountain through difficulties and dangers made us even dearer and closer to one another. We returned with great joy. It was also amusing to find a place to use the bathroom in the open landscape. We had to turn away and wait for our friend again, understanding the need.
Darkness falls very quickly in the mountains, and we had to reach the parking area before sunset, because in the dark you cannot see where to step, and rocks are everywhere.
The Lord does not recommend that we expose our lives to danger unnecessarily. Climbs like this should not become the rule or purpose of life. But we have spiritual mountains that we are called to conquer, reaching the summit in order to know ourselves and our friends better.
Bible Verses for Reflection
Mark 3:13–15; 6:46; 9:2; Matthew 5:1; 14:23; 15:29; 17:1; 26:39; 28:16–17; John 6:3; 15:12–13; Philippians 2:4, 20; Revelation 14:1; 21:10; Psalm 24:3; 68:15–16; 121:1; Genesis 19:17–18; Exodus 19:20; Isaiah 40:9; Luke 21:34.