“Blessed Is The Nation Whose God Is The Lord.” (Psalm 144:15)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
(Psalm 144:15)

Beloved faithful,

These words of the Psalmist remind us that the true strength of a nation does not rest solely in material resources or human power, but rather in faith in God and in spiritual values. Blessed is the people who keep God’s presence alive in their lives, for it is this faith that strengthens them in times of hardship and guides them toward restoration and endurance.

With this spiritual awareness, today we commemorate May 28, the memorable day of the proclamation of the First Republic of Armenia. Amid severe historical circumstances and countless hardships, the Armenian people, through their faith, united will, and patriotic spirit, succeeded in rallying their collective strength and achieving victory in the heroic Battle of Sardarabad. Through this triumph, they reaffirmed their independent statehood.

And how shall we celebrate this radiant page of our history? How shall we celebrate the victory of Sardarabad and May 28? The answer is that, as a nation, we must guide the children of our rising generation toward the Mother Church and the Motherland, so that they may feel, a hundredfold, the heartbeat that reaches their souls and make a sacred vow to live with the faith of Armenian Christians and the vision of our forefathers. The victory of the Battle of Sardarabad remains the cornerstone of Eternal Armenia.

Thus, May 28 has forever become a symbol of rebirth, hope, and national awakening.

This day also bears a profound spiritual message: when a people preserve their faith, values, and unity, they are able to overcome hardships and continue their journey with renewed hope and confidence.

On this occasion, we remember with gratitude all those who, through their sacrifice, service, and dedication, laid the foundations of our statehood. Their memory calls us to live responsibly, faithfully, and steadfastly devoted to our spiritual and patriotic values.

Beloved faithful, today once again we return to the words of the Psalmist: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” May this truth continually guide the life of our people in Armenia and throughout the Diaspora. We pray that Almighty God preserve our homeland in peace and security, strengthen the sons and daughters of our nation, and lead them toward unity, justice, and spiritual renewal through His abundant blessings.

Let us pray together and say:

Lord our God, You who throughout the centuries have been the refuge and strength of the Armenian people, once again shelter our homeland and all Armenians beneath Your fatherly love. Preserve Armenia and the children of our nation, both in the homeland and throughout the Diaspora, in peace. Bless our country, our families, and the labor and service of our people. Remove every danger, division, and tribulation, and strengthen within our hearts the spirit of faith, love, and dedication.

Grant, O Lord, that our people may always live by Your truth and be guided by Your wisdom. Preserve our Holy Church steadfast, radiant, and life-giving, and make us worthy to live as Your blessed people.

May the spirit of May 28 forever remain alive within our hearts as a living testimony of faith, hope, and rebirth. Amen.

With blessings,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America