Western Diocese To Offer Prayer Of Thanksgiving In Observance Of America's 250Th Anniversary

At the directive of the Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a special Prayer of Thanksgiving will be offered in all parishes of the Western Diocese this Sunday in observance of the 250th Anniversary of the establishment of the United States of America.

The prayer, composed and offered by the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian on July 4, 2026, was first recited prior to the reenactment of the historic Diocesan picnic photograph taken on that same day ninety-nine years earlier. The moving prayer gives thanks to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, liberty, justice, and opportunity that have defined the American experience while remembering the generations of Armenian immigrants who found refuge, peace, and hope upon these shores after enduring persecution and genocide.

In his directive, Archbishop Derderian invited every parish throughout the Diocese to unite in prayer, asking God's continued protection upon the United States, wisdom for its leaders, peace among its people, and eternal remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation's freedoms. As faithful Armenians and grateful Americans, the Western Diocese joins millions across the country in offering heartfelt thanksgiving to God on this historic milestone, praying that the ideals upon which this nation was founded will continue to inspire future generations.

Lord our God, we come in a spirit of thanksgiving and joy on this 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, to mix our prayers with those of people throughout this nation for the freedoms we enjoy.

O Father, great and merciful, You comfort us in our time of need, You never pull away Your hand from those who call on Your name. You brought forth in this land a country founded on the principle of liberty, equality and justice. A country that declared that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are God-given and unalienable rights for everyone. A country that dared to proclaim, “Give me Your tired, Your poor and Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”  

Our forefathers heeded the call to the shores of America. Having escaped persecution, death and even genocide, our forefathers were the huddled masses that embraced America and were embraced in return by this great country. They found peace, and a haven where dreams for a better life for themselves and for their children could be realized.

We assembled back then in our houses of worship, and continue to do so today, to give thanks for the blessings You so abundantly bestow upon us. We thank You for the freedom to pursue dreams and build on those dreams that come from our God-given imagination. Thank You for the safety we enjoy, and the harmony that we can achieve. Let us never be complacent or in contempt of these very special and unique expressions that are part of the American Dream.

Look upon this great nation, the United States of America in Your mercy, O Lord. Open our hearts to hear and act upon Your call to live in harmony with one another, always ready to help others, so that working together we build on our dreams to reach the highest heights. Protect and shelter us from harm and rest the souls of them that sacrificed their lives for the liberties we enjoy. Keeping the spirit of freedom alive, we glorify You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.