Independence Day (250) Prayer

On the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence a group of clergy and laity assembled with their spiritual leader, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, at the St. Leon Ghevondyants Armenian Cathedral in Burbank California to offer the following prayer of thanksgiving. Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day Prayer

Lord our God, we come in a spirit of thanksgiving and joy on this 250^th Anniversary of the United States of America, to mix our prayers with those of people throughout this nation, for the freedoms we enjoy.

O Father, great and merciful, You comfort us in our time of need, You never pull away Your hand from those who call on Your name. You brought forth in  this land a country that is founded on the principle of liberty, equality and justice. A country that declared that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are God-given and unalienable rights for everyone. A country that dared to proclaim, “Give me your tired, your poor and your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”

Our forefathers heeded the call to the shores of America. Having escaped persecution, death and even genocide, our forefathers were the huddled masses that embraced America and were embraced in return by this great country. They found peace, and a haven where dreams for a better life for themselves and for their children could be realized.

We assembled back then in our houses of worship, and continue to do so today, to give thanks for the blessings you so abundantly bestow upon us. We thank you for the freedom to pursue dreams and build on those dreams that come from our God-given imagination. Thank you for the safety we enjoy, and the harmony that we can achieve. Let us never be complacent or in contempt of these very special and unique expressions that are part of the American Dream.

Look upon this great nation, the United States of America in your mercy, O Lord. Open our hearts to hear and act upon your call to live in harmony with one another, working together to build for better days and the dreams that reach for the highest heights. Protect and shelter its people from harm. Rest the souls of them that sacrificed for the liberties we enjoy. And keep the spirit of freedom alive in each of us.

Amen.