Time Of Prayer With President Donald J. Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 16, 2026 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and His Excellency Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, led a delegation of religious leaders to the White House on Wednesday for a Time of Prayer with President Donald J. Trump. The delegation included Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church; Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian of the Eastern Prelacy (Holy See of Cilicia); Archbishop Kegham Khacherian of the Western Prelacy (Holy See of Cilicia); the Most Reverend Mikael Mouradian, Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy; and the Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America.


 
This special occasion in the Oval Office of the White House was made possible through the tireless efforts of Ambassador Mkrtchyan, in cooperation with the White House Faith Office, headed by President Trump’s longtime pastor and Senior Advisor Paula White-Cain, and Jennifer S. Korn, Director of the White House Faith Office. The meeting built upon a relationship established in January 2026 during the celebration of Armenian Christmas and the 250th anniversary of the United States, held at the National Cathedral.
 
This was a significant moment in U.S.-Armenia relations, with discussions focusing on the Christian and civilizational ties between the two peoples, religious freedom, and efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace, stability, and prosperity, while highlighting the importance of faith and spiritual values in this process. The preservation of Armenian Christian heritage was also emphasized.


 
“We share President Trump’s vision of sustained peace,” said Archbishop Derderian, reflecting on the meeting.

The religious leaders also used the occasion to congratulate President Trump on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, highlighting the contributions of the Armenian-American community to the spiritual, cultural, and civic fabric of the nation.

 
“Throughout generations, the Armenian community has found in this country a place of freedom, opportunity, and hope, while preserving the faith, heritage, and traditions that have sustained our community,” they stated.
 
At the conclusion, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian led the spiritual leaders and all those present in a collective prayer, asking God’s blessing upon the peoples of Armenia and the United States, their well-being and future, and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
 
As the Western Diocese approaches its 100th anniversary, Archbishop Derderian’s participation in this historic visit reflects the Diocese’s enduring commitment to faith, service, and the strengthening of ties between the Armenian people and the United States. It also reaffirms the Church’s mission to serve as a bridge of faith, friendship, and understanding.