InternationalArchbishop Barsamian asks community to pray for victims of Caspian Airlines crash
Published: Wednesday July 15, 2009
A view of the scene of the crash of Caspian Airlines flight 7908, near Ghazvin in Iran, July 15, 2009. Photolure
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New York - In response to the tragic crash of Caspian Airlines Flight 7908, en route from Tehran to Yerevan, in which all crew and passengers lost their lives, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, issued a directive to the leaders of all Diocesan parishes. He asked the community to offer prayers for the victims, among whom were numerous Armenians. What follows is the text of that message, issued on July 15, 2009:
This morning, we awoke to the terrible news that an airliner had crashed in Iran, taking the lives of all onboard. Such news is always tragic, whatever the circumstances; but for us as Armenians, it was especially dispiriting to learn that the flight had departed from Tehran en route to Yerevan, and that so many of the people on board were our fellow countrymen.
News reports cite six Armenian nationals - that is, citizens of the Republic of Armenia - among those who lost their lives today. But to read the flight manifest is to become aware of numerous Armenian surnames and given names among the 156 passengers and 12 crew members - several crew members, and at least a third of the passengers - indicating that many Iranian-Armenians were also on board the doomed flight.
Our hearts go out to all the victims of Flight 7908, and their families. May God be with them, and comfort them in this time of grief.
Our special prayers go for the souls of our lost brothers and sisters, who only a few hours ago said goodbye to their families, or expected to shortly be reunited with them - but now will never be seen again. We ask our risen Lord to remember them on the day of his judgment, and to console and strengthen their loved ones.
With this directive, I am asking our parishes to hold a special hokehankisd service this Sunday, July 19, for the repose of the souls of the crash victims.
May God bless you and all our people.
