9/11: Ten Years Later
07 September 2011
In a
directive to parish leaders, the Primate asked to have a special prayer recited
as part of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The prayer, which accompanied the
directive, was specially composed for the occasion, in English and Armenian.
The Primate advised parish leaders to inform their fellow parishioners in advance, so that communities can observe the solemn milestone together. He also encouraged participation in the memorials of the larger society, marking the passage of a decade since "that infamous, world-altering day."
"Across our nation, people will be solemnly commemorating the occasion," says the directive, "and I encourage you to take part in your local and municipal observances, joining with our fellow citizens of the United States of America."
It is noteworthy that this year's 10th anniversary coincides with a major feast day of the Armenian Church: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The traditional church practice on major feasts is to refrain from performing the hokehankisd (requiem) service, and the Primate advised that this tradition should be observed on Sunday, September 11. However, the Primate has given special dispensation to hold the requiem service in several cases, for departed members of the community who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
The special prayer beseeches God to "have mercy on the souls of all the men and women who perished in the terrible calamities on September 11, 2001, in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Take them into the peace of your heavenly kingdom, and never cease to console their loved ones, who will always grieve for their losses."
The entire prayer, in English and Armenian, is available here.
