Western Diocese

Prayer is the root of an honest and righteous life. A constantly praying person would turn his life to an ever flowing spring of goodness and righteousness. A person consistent in prayer, first and foremost, is a follower of Christ. He lives a life of prayer and is transformed by prayer, during his earthly lifetime.  A dedicated person to prayer, during his lifetime, is permanently reminded of his God-given life and the blessings thereof as heavenly gifts that must be valued and rededicated to God even more gracefully.

On the verge of the beginning of the year 2008, we wish that our prayers will fill our spirits, since delving into prayer would cause us to persevere and hereby we preserve the flame of the Holy Spirit within ourselves. “Do not quench the Spirit” (1^st Thessalonians 5: 19). A person enriched with prayer would discover within the self the innate God-given joy and thankfulness towards God, as the Apostle said. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” Ephesians 5:1-2.

 

Dear faithful Christians, enrich your lives with prayers. Open your eyes every morning with prayers. Merge prayers with your everyday activities. Breathe peace into the troubled souls with your prayers. Connect hearts and souls with your prayers. Crown yourselves with prayers at the end of the day.

We declare the year 2008 as the year of prayer within the Western Diocese. Thus everywhere and at all times, in our personal or family lives, in our communities, in our churches, we will be guided by the spirit of prayers that is nothing else, but God’s guidance. Strive to learn the prayers of our Church and forefathers. Pray privately or in a church. Praise our Lord’s name. A prayerful man’s life is peaceful, indeed. A prayerful face radiantly glows. A prayerful man’s heart testifies the Word of God.

O Lord, listen to our prayers; protect us in peace, keep us away from all tribulations. Lead us to the path of peace and righteousness. Enlighten us with Your Holy Spirit. We praise Your glory everywhere, for ever and ever. Amen.

With Love,
Prayerfully,

 

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Primate