WASHINGTON—His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, delivered the opening prayer in the House of Representatives on July 12. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) invited Archbishop Derderian to deliver the prayer, welcomed him outside the House floor before opening session, and delivered remarks honoring the Archbishop at the conclusion of his prayer.
“It was an honor to welcome Archbishop Derderian to our nation’s capital to deliver today’s opening prayer,” Schiff said. “I am so pleased that the House of Representatives was able to hear the inspiring words of such a distinguished and respected spiritual leader from our community. Archbishop Derderian has had a tremendous impact on people of all faiths and played a vital role in the religious and civic life of millions.”
Members of Congress are allowed to request a guest chaplain deliver the opening prayer which opens each session of the House of Representatives. Last year, Rep. Schiff invited both the Western Diocese and Western Prelacy to deliver the opening prayer, and he looks forward to scheduling a date as soon as possible for Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian to deliver his opening prayer.
Guest Contributor
Latest posts by Guest Contributor (see all)
- Mourad Armenian School celebrates 90 years - April 17, 2024
- ARS & Hamazkayin celebrate Sona Zeitlian’s trailblazing 70 years of service jubilee - April 16, 2024
- Illinois communities hold flag raisings to commemorate Armenian Genocide - April 16, 2024
This is a well deserved honor. It never ceases to amaze me that a nation who refuses to allow God into its public schools although its Constitution is filled with references to our “creator” permits and encourages clergy to open sessions of part of its legislative body with public prayer. Long may this continue and may our President continue to refer to God public ally.