Most Reverend Oshagan Choloyan
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
New York, NY
Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Maloney, (D-NY)
Date of Prayer: 04/21/2010
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mrs. MALONEY . Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and the Representative of a large and vibrant community of Armenian Americans, I rise to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in his offering of the opening prayer, and join my colleagues this week in the sad commemoration of the Armenian genocide.
On this 95th anniversary of the genocide, I join with a chorus of voices that grows louder with each passing year. We simply will not allow the planned elimination of an entire people to remain in the shadows of history. The Armenian genocide must be acknowledged, studied, and never, ever allowed to happen again.
The archbishop is the head of the Armenian Church in the United States, which is located in my district. As the spiritual shepherd of several hundred thousand Armenian Americans in the Eastern United States, he plays a significant role in the life of the Armenian community. It is a great honor to welcome him today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, we seek your grace and wisdom in our lives and in our leaders that they may serve your people with truth and justice.
Remember your faithful servants, the Armenian people, who for 95 Aprils have lived with the memory of the genocide of one and a half million of their nation. We pray that such barbarity never again be inflicted upon any of your creatures.
We give thanks for the blessings that you have bestowed upon the remnant of the Armenian people who were welcomed and given new life. We thank you for delivering us from the depths of despair into this land of liberty.
Bless America, the country of greatness and goodness. Renew the values of our American heritage so that America will remain the country of truth, freedom, justice and peace.
We stand before you and ask this in your name and for your glory. Amen.
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