The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the United States reports that on January 9, it organized a solemn reception at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on the occasion of the glorious holiday of Christmas and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, Narek Mkrtchyan, the Chief Advisor to the White House Office of Faith Affairs, spiritual pastor of President Donald Trump, Paula White-Kane, the leaders of the Western and Eastern dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the United States, Archbishop Hovnan Terteryan and Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, as well as the pioneer of the National Prayer Breakfast movement in the United States, spiritual pastor Chris Halverson.
During the event, Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan read a message from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, to those present.
The event was attended by high-ranking US government officials, representatives of various religious organizations, ambassadors, honorary consuls of the Republic of Armenia, and representatives of the Armenian community in the United States.
In her speech, the Ambassador congratulated the Armenian people on the occasion of Christmas and Epiphany, emphasized the role of Christian values in Armenian-US relations, highlighted the importance of US leadership in the issue of religious freedom, thanked the Washington National Cathedral for hosting the event, and wished the United States new achievements on the occasion of its 250th anniversary.
In her speech, Paula White-Kane thanked the Ambassador for organizing the Christmas reception, highlighted the dedication of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the Armenian people, and emphasized that Armenia, as the world’s first Christian country, has overcome many trials throughout history, preserved its spiritual heritage, and become a testimony of faith to the world.
White-Kane emphasized that the United States stands with the Armenian people for the sake of faith, partnership, and common goals.
In his speech, Pastor Chris Halverson particularly emphasized the initiative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia to organize a Prayer Breakfast in Armenia, noting that it testifies to Armenia’s commitment to the values of faith, unity, and leadership.
The spiritual leaders participating in the event congratulated those present on the wonderful holiday of Christmas and offered prayers. As part of the cultural segment, performances were given by pianist Nare Arghamanyan, lecturer at the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts, soloist Edita Dolunts-Kalaijyan, and organist Armine Khachatryan.
At the end of the event, the “Our Father” prayer was performed by students of the Sunday school of the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Washington.
