On behalf of our Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan and the entire Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, we extend to you our warm good wishes on Independence Day.
This year marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia—an event that would prove to have historic consequences for the entire world, and all its people.
Among those people were our own Armenian forebears. For a significant part of last 250 years, we Armenians have been blessed to merge our way of life with that of America. On these shores our people found a refuge from persecution, but also a land that would sustain us as we sought to honor our heritage, and worship our Lord.
Developments over the years have tested the resilience of this society, and the mettle of its people. These things should not, however, negate the powerful meaning America has held for its Armenian citizens. In past times of uncertainty, we have prayed with grateful hearts that this land would show its characteristic resilience, born of its ability to overcome adversity and address concerns in a spirit of peace and charity.
This Independence Day we renew those prayers, asking our Lord to preserve and protect this land and her people, so that she may never cease to be a sign of hope in our world. On this 250th anniversary, we join our voices with gratitude, conviction, and love, to affirm: “God bless America.”