My blessings to you all in this season of our Lord’s resurrection.
 
You are all aware that the United States of America will soon mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence: the great statement of American liberty, which informs the progress of our country to this day, and inspires people across the world.
 
The birth of America is one of the most momentous developments in history—and has been a profound blessing for the Armenian people, as a welcoming refuge to our ancestors in our time of need. As a church—indeed, as the first and oldest Armenian Church Diocese in America—we offer humble gratitude to God for the blessings that life in America has bestowed upon us.
 
That same spirit of gratitude is something to share with all our faithful. So with this directive, I am requesting that all parishes in our Diocese conduct a special thanksgiving prayer to honor America’s 250th Anniversary, as part of their regular liturgical services on Sunday, June 14—which coincides with America’s Flag Day observance.
 
The text of the prayer service is contained in a newly-published service booklet, “Order of Prayer for the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.” Printed copies of the booklet have been sent to every parish in our Diocese, for your use on June 14.
 
In addition, a flyer to notify your parishioners about the prayer service is attached to this message, as a downloadable PDF file. Please note that the electronic file allows you to customize the flyer with the name and address of your parish.
 
Thank you for your cooperation. May our risen Lord Jesus Christ bestow His grace upon our beloved county of America, keep it under His loving protection, and guide us and our fellow citizens in the ongoing effort to preserve and hand on to posterity a decent, prosperous, and just society.
 

Prayerfully,
 
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
Primate