The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Most Reverend Karekin II

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
New York, NY

Sponsor: Rep. Congressman Jim Saxton, (R-NJ)
Date of Prayer: 05/23/2001

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to come to the floor today and help welcome His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians. Welcome to the U.S. House of Representatives.

I thank His Holiness for offering such a wonderful prayer. I also want to thank the House chaplain for allowing the opportunity to celebrate this very special occasion.

His Holiness Karekin II is the 132nd in a continuous line of pontiffs of the Armenian Church dating back to the 4th century. As the chief shepherd of the world's 7 million Apostolic Christians, Catholicos Karekin II administers the Armenian Church from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin located in the Republic of Armenia.

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's conversion to Christianity. Armenians throughout America have waited with great anticipation for this special visit in celebration of this extraordinary anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I join all Armenian Americans and Armenian supporters throughout the United States in thanking His Holiness for making this trip to America and being with us here today.


Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty Lord and God, light to all nations,

Help us walk in Your light

To advance the cause of freedom and human dignity in America, where democracy has grown strong over two centuries, and in Armenia, a new republic with strong hopes,

And to make wise decisions of law on behalf of real people and real pain.

Lord, bless the American people and their servants who bear the privilege and burden of leadership. Also bless the Armenian people who are celebrating the 1700th anniversary of their ancestors’ conversion to Christianity. Unite the diverse peoples of the world into one sacred family, that we might share our stories and dreams in Your Holy Name,

For to You is glory, power, and honor, always and unto the ages of ages.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory