On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a special and heartfelt prayer was offered at St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. The prayer was dedicated to the Republic of Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, invoking God’s divine protection, peace, and unity for the homeland and the spiritual center of the Armenian people. Hundreds of faithful parishioners gathered in solemn devotion, filling the Cathedral with reverence and hope as they joined the Archbishop in lifting their prayers for the strength, security, and spiritual fortitude of the Armenian Nation and Church.

Below is the Primate's message and prayer in its entirety.

A Call to Walk the Path of Faith, Peace, and Holiness

Beloved faithful, brothers and sisters in Christ,

Prayer invites us toward peace, solidarity, and dialogue. Today, more than at any time in our national life, we are called to make a life of prayer our guiding path and purpose, asking God to lead us toward holiness.

By God’s will, we are journeying to Holy Etchmiadzin, to our Homeland, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the “World Union of Armenian Church Youth,” under the motto: “The Armenian Christian family is the anchor of our identity.”

Beloved faithful brothers and sisters, in these difficult days for us all, let us pray together before God:

Lord God Almighty, in Your mercy bless us, our Homeland, and Holy Etchmiadzin, and keep us far from all trials, misfortunes, and dangers.

Grant spiritual peace to the Armenian people; pour forth Your grace of love and unity upon all our people. Lord our God, be our people’s protector and helper at all times; enrich our lives with Your blessing, sanctify us, and grant success to our good efforts and deeds.

All-merciful God, bestow our people faith, love toward one another, mercy, and compassion. Remove and drive away hatred and enmity from among us. Enlighten everyone’s mind and soul with the vision of the faith of our forefathers.

O Lord, show us the path of peace, so that kneeling before your heavenly peace, we may seek in our lives inner serenity, spiritual silence, and perfect peace.

May our prayers rise to You, O Lord, like fragrant incense, so that in moments of deep contemplation and sacred silence, we may see and hear Your voice and attain perfect holiness.

Glory, dominion, and honor to Your indivisible Holy Trinity, now and forever and ever. Amen.