Armenian churches nationwide to hold requiem services for victims of airline crash

by Armenian Reporter staff

Published: Saturday July 18, 2009

An Armenian memorial service at the site of the crash of Caspian Airlines Flight 7908 near Ghazvin in Iran. Since the earthly remains of the victims were scattered beyond recognition, mourners collected soil from the site. Photolure

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On Sunday, July 19, all Armenian churches nationwide will offer prayers for the victims of the July 15 airplane crash in Iran during the singing of "Der Vorghormya" (Lord Have Mercy) during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

Separate announcements to this effect were released by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Moushegh Martirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.

The archbishops asked the faithful to join in prayers for the souls of the deceased and for comfort to the families that have been touched.

One of the victims, Dr. Levon Davidian, was a current member of the Central Executive Committee of the Catholicate of Cilicia. The Catholicos, Aram I, held a requiem service at the Catholicate's summer house in Bikfaya, Lebanon, on July 16. A delegation appointed by the Catholicos visited the Iranian Embassy in Beirut to convey condolences.

In a letter, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II wrote: "We heard about the air crash and death of passengers with deep sorrow. We mourn this loss together with our people. On behalf of the Ecclesiastical Council and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we express our support and condolences to all the family members and close ones of the deceased."

Expressing his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, Archbishop Choloyan offered prayers for the souls of the victims and for comfort and healing to those who are mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.

"We offer our prayers for the victims of this tragedy that God illuminate their souls and make them worthy to join Him in His kingdom of which there is no end. We also pray for the families who have been affected, that God send them the comfort of the Holy Spirit in this difficult time," said Archbishop Derderian.

"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," Archbishop Barsamian wrote in a message to all parishes in the Eastern Diocese. "We ask our risen Lord to remember them on the day of his judgment, and to console and strengthen their loved ones," he added.

Archbishop Martirossian wrote to the Prelate of Tehran, Archbishop Sepouh Sargisian, to express condolences through him to the families of the victims.