Invocation
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
97th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

Capitol Hill
April 25, 2012

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty and all loving God, we render thanks to you for all the goodness you have granted us with your grace. May we be worthy of your generous mercy.

Bless this land of America and all its inhabitants, so that they may serve your glory and be instruments of your goodness for the “unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all of your children.

Today, once again we gather in this historic room in our nation’s capital to honor the memory of our one-and-one-half million martyrs whose faith and love in you never faltered, even unto death. The first genocide of the 20th century was a prelude to more genocide. The tragedy of genocide continued because the Ottoman Turkish perpetrators of the Armenian genocide were neither confronted nor punished.

We thank you for preserving the Armenian people from annihilation and providing for their rebirth, revival and resurrection of spirit. We dedicate our lives and fortunes to you and to the pursuit of justice, liberty, and freedom.

Bless this gathering and all those in attendance. Guide our national leaders, especially the men and women of Congress who join us in our remembrance of our martyred ancestors and fight for truth. May the light of justice and freedom shine upon them in faithful obedience to your divine commandments.

Your name will be praised forever and ever. Amen.