14Th Annual Ecumenical Prayer Service

At the invitation of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the 14th Annual Ecumenical Prayer Service took place on December 10 at the St. Leon Ghevontiants Armenian Cathedral. Every year, Archbishop Hovnan wishes to honor a member of our Christian Family who stands as an example of Christian love and fidelity. This year's gathering of Christian clerics was dedicated to His Eminence Archbishop Jose Gomez, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, reflecting on his exceptional and visionary leadership to the community.

Clergy representing a variety of traditions and denominations were present, including Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco who heads Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Bishop John Taylor the Primate of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The evening was a display of Christian unity and solidarity through the power of prayer. Archbishop Hovnan welcomed the honoree and all the clergy and presented Archbishop Jose with a pectoral cross, in traditional Armenian styles, along with an Armenian icon of the Annunciation. 

The entire inspirational service may be viewed below.

Archbishop Hovnan's remarks

In his epistle to the Galatians, St. Paul writes: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). 

These powerful words from St. Paul remind us of our unity in Christ and our shared mission to be instruments of peace, especially in our troubled world today. 

Amid pain and unrest, the love of Christ compels us to bring hope and healing through the spirit of ecumenism, guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Indeed, our unity as sister churches—to be the Body of Christ—is rooted in  our Lord  and Savior’s call to us to be one—in the Holy Trinity. 

This unity is expressed in our prayers in this beautiful ecumenical service. We celebrate our shared faith and diverse traditions, but always united in Christ.  

On behalf of everyone present, we welcome, with gratitude, The Most Reverend José Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, as our honored guest. 

Your unwavering dedication to serving the community is a blessing for your flock and the ecumenical community in Los Angeles. We pray for God’s continued guidance, good health and strength in your ministry.  

As a symbol of our fraternal love, we present to you this ornate Armenian cross, a token of gratitude and a reflection of our shared faith. 

Let us pray together, united in Christ, for a world renewed by love and peace.