Western Diocese

On April 15, 2010, at 9:30 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America offered the opening prayer at the start of the session in the California State Senate in Sacramento.

The Primate was introduced by State Senator Joe Simitian, who represents the 11^th District of California. The ANC Scouts, led the procession bearing the flags of the United States of America and the Republic of Armenia. After delivering the memorable prayer, the Primate met with State Senators Joe Simitian, Tom Harman, Tony Strickland and Lou Correa.

Following the Primate's prayer, Jack Weinstein, the Director of "Facing History and Ourselves" talked about the importance of genocide awareness. The Primate joined by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Diocesan Youth Director, also met with the students of St. Sahag-Mesrob and Rev. Frs. Asoghig Jamgochian, Hovel Ohanyan, Diran Avagyan and Datev Harutyunian.

We kindly present to you the Primate's Prayer in its entirety.

Almighty God,

We lift up our hearts to praise Your name for bestowing upon us the gift of all bounties of the world, but above all, blessing us with the gift of life and challenging us to become your good hands in our communities.

The world is the city of God and all of us are called to be the spiritual tools of justice and peace, and the illuminators of the human souls. Today, we pray especially for the peace of the world and for all those who suffer as victims of injustice, war and poverty. Each time a gathering is formed in the life of the community, the presence of God is felt immensely.

Almighty God, we know well that the Honorable members of this Senate have responded to Your call to bring their wisdom for the well-being of the State of California.

Today, we give thanks to God for the prayers being offered to the victims of the first Genocide of the 20^th century, sons and daughters of the Armenian nation who have been martyred for the sake of their faith and love for their ancestral land. We continue to pray for their souls, for You, as the Lord of justice bestow upon us the enlightened minds to pursue the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

We have remembered the victims of the genocide in our prayers with reverence for the past 95 years. Our prayers will continue to honor their memory, thus not only showing our respect for their martyrdom but also sending out a clear message to all nations that the gift of life granted to us by God cannot be taken away forcefully or brutally.

The people and the leaders of the United States of America have condemned the genocide from its initial date in 1915. This country has inspired us to cherish the true value of democracy and freedom as well as the universal respect for humanity as the reflection of God's love.

Almighty God, Bless this Senate with their members and their mission. Grant them divine wisdom and love to carry on their duties diligently, to uphold firm justice for the past and be the path of justice for all generations to come. Amen.