God Is Hurting

One of the greatest gifts the US Constitution guarantees her citizens is the right to a peaceful assembly. Peaceful voices against injustice have been heard for days. However, violence shall lead us nowhere. Moreover, it will further divide us as a nation. As a religious leader in the City of Angels, I will preach the Word of God. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). Tonight, we also pray for God's divine wisdom to enter into the minds and hearts of people. It is only through peace and wisdom that we learn, progress and grow. The peaceful fight against injustice must be done with respect for those who are suffering. Racism, hate, and violence have no place in our hearts and do not belong in our communities.   

May God's divine wisdom and peace rule the streets of this blessed nation of the United States of America. My plea to all is exercise the noble act of respect for one another. Let prayer lead us in these times of great tribulation. We all have the moral obligation and the calling to become God's architects of peace. When we hurt one another, we hurt God. We must come together as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty, equality, and justice for all.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate