On January 9, the Embassy of Armenia to the United States organized a formal reception at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., in celebration of the Armenian Christmas and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
Remarks were delivered by Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan, Pastor Paula White-Cain, Special Government Employee and Senior Advisor of the White House Faith Office, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the United States; Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese; and Pastor Chris Halverson, pioneer of the National Prayer Breakfast movement in the United States.
During the event, Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan read the message of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, addressed to the attendees.
The reception was attended by high-ranking U.S. government officials, representatives of various religious institutions, ambassadors, Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Armenia, and members of the Armenian community in the U.S.
In his remarks, the Ambassador extended Christmas greetings, emphasized the role of Christian values in Armenia–U.S. relations, highlighted the leadership of the United States in promoting religious freedom, expressed gratitude to the Washington National Cathedral for hosting the reception, and wished the United States continued achievements on the occasion of its 250th Anniversary.
In her remarks, Paula White-Cain thanked the Ambassador for organizing the Christmas reception, underscored Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s dedication to the Armenian people, and noted that Armenia, as the first Christian nation of the world, has endured many trials throughout history while preserving its spiritual heritage and becoming a witness of faith to the world. White-Cain emphasized that the United States stands with the Armenian people in the spirit of faith, partnership, and shared goals.
Pastor Chris Halverson, in his remarks, particularly highlighted the importance of the initiative of the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to organize the Prayer Breakfast in Armenia, noting that it reflects the commitment of the country to the values of faith, unity, and leadership.
The participating spiritual leaders congratulated those present on the Glorious Feast of Christmas and offered prayers.
The cultural program featured performances by Nare Arghamanyan, pianist and professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna; soloist Edita Dolunts-Kalayjian and organist Armine Khachatryan. The works of Armenian artist Armen Kankanian were also exhibited during the event.
The event concluded with the Lord’s Prayer, performed by the students of the Sunday School of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington D.C.
