Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Western Diocese, Armenian Church of North America
Burbank, CA
Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schiff, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 07/12/2017
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and to thank him for delivering the opening prayer on the House floor today.
Archbishop Derderian has had a tremendous impact on people of all faiths and has played a vital role in the religious and civic life of millions.
Since his election as primate in 2003, Archbishop Derderian has been a dedicated religious servant for the thousands of congregants who look to him for guidance, managing a diocese which covers the Western United States.
In the large Armenian–American diaspora community that I am proud to represent, Archbishop Derderian is an articulate and steadfast voice for the values of faith, family, and community service that are at the core of the Armenian people's perseverance and strength.
Archbishop Derderian and the Western Diocese have joined other religious and community leaders in rallying support and aid for Armenia, Artsakh, and for refugees fleeing the horrors of civil war in Syria and Iraq.
I thank the Archbishop for all that he does to make our community and our Nation stronger. I am proud that Congress today was able to hear the moral leadership he brings to his work in the Western Diocese.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, it is with a grateful and humble heart that I gaze upon You with supplications for lasting peace, prosperity, and commonweal for the great country of the United States, which so many people of diverse backgrounds proudly call home.
As the spiritual leader of the Armenians on the West Coast, I bring the intercession of my flock, and I ask You O Lord to grant wisdom, compassion, and righteousness to all Congressmen and Congresswomen so that they may lead this country through the paths of justice, liberty, and equality.
Compassionate God, forgive the sins of all Your servants and make them vessels of Your divine will so that in all their endeavors they may remember Your commandments and act according to the United States' national interests in defense of the country's sovereignty.
This I ask in Your holy Name. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory