Dear Faithful People of the Armenian Apostolic Church,

Late Saturday night and early Sunday morning we were once again outraged, infuriated and incensed by the acts of war perpetrated by the Azeris up and down the Artsakh border. The attacks against the peaceful people of Artsakh were unprovoked and prompted immediate reaction by the government of the Republic of Armenia. Throughout the world people are calling on political leaders to stop Azerbaijan from committing these barbaric crimes and demanding that Turkey stop supporting this fighting.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese, is being apprised of the situation and receiving updates from the front line. He is in regular communication with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenian as well as with all of his clergy. He has been in conference with the Armenian Ambassador in Washington DC and representatives of all Armenian organizations. As a member of the Pan Armenian Council he is coordinating aid efforts.

Accordingly, beginning immediately, Monday September 28, and continuing through the week until next Sunday, the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank will be open for prayer and candle lighting. At 8:00PM every evening organized prayers for peace in Artsakh and Armenia will be offered.

"We expect that our faithful people will come to pray, light a candle and stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Armenia," said Archbishop Hovnan. "We expect them to be generous in their offering to help the resistance effort at the Artsakh border. This is the latest and biggest human rights crisis we are facing, one which demands all of our attention and all of our assistance."