Call For Unity

Beloved faithful,

The tense political climate that has been created in our Motherland has placed us in a difficult position. Whether it is in the Homeland or in the Diaspora, the heart of each Armenian is grief stricken. The harsh reality has further disrupted the course of our people’s lives, which was already in great turmoil as a result of the war. We are keenly following the events that are transpiring in Armenia. These unfortunate incidents and events isolate us from our national goals and pursuits. Therefore, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the Diocesan clergy and all auxiliary bodies call upon you to exemplify amity, brotherhood, and peace. Now, more than ever before, we must uphold a sense of unity and harmony, as we cherish our dream of passing down to our next generation a peaceful and a safeguarded homeland. Let us remember our unified spirit during the six-week war, which allowed us to “fight” at numerous fronts and stand in solidarity with to our Motherland through financial and humanitarian support.

Dear brothers and sisters, we must realize that the war in itself has not ended. We are faced with new challenges which require from us a collective and unified approach to their resolutions. We ought to do all that is in our power to support our Motherland and our people.  

Burning incense, we will continue to pray for the departed souls of our martyred heroes. Putting our faith into action, we will empathetically extend a helping hand and console those families who are in mourning. We pay homage to all valiant soldiers who fought with resilience to the bitter end, defeating death and living in eternity. They adorned our pages of history with new chapters of heroism.

It is also the duty of every single one of us to have at our center of attention the wounded soldiers, many of whom have become disabled, requiring intensive surgeries and continuous medical care. We are obliged to support these heroes who have defended our Motherland. 

Beloved, once again, we exhort you to unite for the sake of the future of our Motherland. Let us focus on our collective and noble efforts to rebuild our Motherland. Let us abandon and relinquish deeds that will lead us astray and distance us from our centuries-long sacred values, dreams and aspirations. Hand in hand, let us concentrate our efforts toward the strengthening of our Motherland. We believe in and rely on the wisdom and virtues of our people, from which a more vibrant and vivacious Motherland will rise.

On behalf of the Diocesan Council and the Diocesan Clergy

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church