Primate's Memorial Day Message

On this solemn Memorial Day, we pause as a grateful nation to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. With hearts filled with reverence and gratitude, we remember those heroic souls who willingly laid down their lives for their compatriots and for future generations, so that the sacred blessings of peace and democracy might endure. Though they are gone from our midst, they are certainly not forgotten, for their courage and selfless devotion continue to inspire the conscience of our nation and the hopes of humanity. As our Lord Jesus Christ declares in the Holy Gospel: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). These sacred words remind us that the highest expression of love is sacrificial service offered for the wellbeing of others.

On this sacred day of remembrance, let us bow our heads in prayer for the eternal repose of all fallen heroes and offer heartfelt comfort to their families whose sacrifices also remain immeasurable. May Almighty God bless the memory of those who paid the ultimate price and grant that their legacy of valor, honor, and patriotism forever remain etched within our hearts. We exhort our faithful community to pay homage to these courageous men and women, not only through words of remembrance, but through lives committed to unity, compassion, justice, and peace. May the Lord continue to bless our nation and guide us always in the path of righteousness and gratitude.

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian