In a moving gesture of solidarity with their Armenian brothers and sisters in Christ, distinguished national leaders from the Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant churches gathered at St. Vartan Cathedral on October 21. They joined Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan for a solemn evening prayer service.
The event, An Ecumenical Service for Peace and Justice in Armenia, Artsakh and the World, was an appeal for the condemnation of—and an immediate end to—Azerbaijan’s continued military attacks on the Armenian population in the republics of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh).
Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian, cathedral vicar Fr. Davit Karamyan, and members of the Diocesan clergy from local parishes also took part in the evening.
Prayers for the welfare and protection of the innocent Armenian men, women and children affected by the crisis were offered by Bishop Daniel (who presided over the service), as well as Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Catholic Archbishop of New York), Archbishop Elpidophoros (Greek Orthodox Church), and Bishop David (Coptic Othodox Church).
“It was an evening of deep consolation for me, and for all our people, to see these profound figures of prayer standing with us—with the Armenian Church, and with our people in Armenia and Artsakh,” said Bishop Daniel. “These were the leaders of the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Episcopal, and many other church traditions in America, showing solidarity with the Armenian Church and its ancient Christian heritage. It was a rare occasion, and profoundly moving to witness.”
Also present were leaders of the Serbian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Episcopal, and Armenian Evangelical churches. His Excellency Ambassador Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, also attended. (Click the link to view the roster a distinguished guests.)
Somber, Yet Unifying
The Ecumenical Service had a somber yet unifying feeling, underscoring the fact that despite coming from various denominations, all the faithful are interconnected through a love of Jesus Christ. The spiritual hymns of the Armenian Church heard throughout the event spoke to the hearts and souls of all in attendance and served to join all attendees together as one. This sentiment of one Christian family inspired participants to speak out against the injustices being perpetrated against the people of Artsakh and Armenia by Azerbaijan and its sponsors.
“We are here at St. Vartan Cathedral this evening to help. You are not alone,” said Cardinal Dolan. “The shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit: that’s our artillery, that’s our strategy.” (Click the link to watch Cardinal Dolan’s message.)
Similarly, Archbishop Elpidophoros stated: “Today, we continue to pray for the Armenian people, that they may continue to cherish their historic land and sacred sanctuaries. We should ask ourselves, ‘What is the international community doing to prevent these atrocities’? We stand next to each other with deep respect.” (Click the link to watch Archbishop Elpidophoros’ message.)
Bishop David emphasized the unity of the Christian community. “In times like these, we must gather together in prayer and solidarity, supporting our brothers in the Armenian Apostolic Church,” he said.
In an emotional speech, he continued: “This is our Christian mandate: one of the founding principles of the Oriental Orthodox churches is that we are called to provide a [united] voice in dealing with issues of common concern and witness. If one member of the body suffers, we all suffer together.” He called upon world leaders to demand an immediate ceasefire and return to peaceful dialogue and negotiation, bearing in mind the well-being of the people of Artsakh and their right to safe existence and freedom of worship. He concluded with a prayer for unity in Christ: “Your cross is ours, your blood is our blood, your suffering is our suffering. The Coptic Church stands with you.” (Click the link to watch Bishop David’s message.)
At the close of the event, Bishop Daniel’s spiritual guidance and leadership provided reassurance that an unwavering faith in God and solidarity among the international community will not allow the injustice and aggression against the Armenian people to continue. (Click the link to watch Bishop Daniel’s remarks.)
In addition to socially distanced worshippers donning surgical masks present in the cathedral, the faithful were able to participate in the prayer vigil from home via livestream broadcast on the St. Vartan Cathedral and Eastern Diocese social media platforms.
Reporters and camera crews from local New York broadcast media outlets also attended to document the event.
The uplifting evening served as testimony that Armenians from every corner of the world are working together—whether in prayer, or via peaceful protests, political advocacy, and delivering financial and medical aid to the victims of Azeri aggression in Artsakh. These efforts have brought the conflict into the global public consciousness, in sharp contrast to the international media’s evident apathy and indifference. Armenians are once again mobilizing to ensure the survival of their people, the preservation of their homeland, and their right to self-determination and freedom of worship.
Click the following links to view a gallery of photos, and to watch a recording of the entire service.
By Stephan S. Nigohosian