“Grant freedom to our captive brothers and grace to the gathered people” – Bishop Hovakim Manukyan

Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland – 28/12/2020

Dear Compatriots,

In our prayers every Sunday during the Divine Liturgy, we ask God to “Grant freedom to our captive brothers and grace to the gathered people. Grant peace to those who have fallen asleep in Christ with holiness.”

The deacon calls upon the congregation to ask the Lord for peace, love and fortitude. We pray for our religious and civil leaders, for our soldiers and for all people. We especially ask for freedom for our captive brothers and sisters and peace to the souls of those who have departed from this life.

Today there are captives and lost brothers of the Artsakh War. We pray for their safe return to their families and to normal life and work towards making that possible. We have brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives for the love of their land and many others continue to do so. Likewise, we have many brothers who are recovering and who still need medical assistance.

We are entering into 2021. We will celebrate the last Divine Liturgy of 2020. Even as I am full of hope, as a realist I know that there are many difficulties and challenges ahead of us.

Today I invite all of our people here in the United Kingdom to pray for the health and well-being of Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Great Britain, for the speedy end of the pandemic and a return to normal life in the new year. I invite you all to especially pray for Armenia and Artsakh, for our people in the homeland and for all those around the world who are in need and suffering.

During the Divine Liturgy, let us pray together:

O Lord, our most merciful God, bless our nation with your spirit of unity and love towards one another. Give wisdom to all decision-makers so that they may find ways for the safe and speedy return of our captive brothers. O Christ, our Saviour, give our brothers courage and fill their hearts with the hope of freedom. Comfort them, O Lord, that they are not forgotten or ignored and through your grace and mercy they will return safely to their families and homes. Send your angel of peace, O Lord, to comfort all the parents waiting for the return of their sons, and bless them with the joy to see their children.

I pray that the Holy Spirit may bless you and your families with God’s abundant gifts throughout the new year and grant you good health, success in your good endeavours and give you peace of mind and heart.

With blessings
Bishop Hovakim Manukyan

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