The Western Diocese was saddened to receive news of the crash of Caspian Air Flight 7908, and joins the whole Armenian Nation in expressing their condolences to the families of the 168 passengers who perished in the tragic event. Special prayers will be offered during this Sunday throughout the Diocese.

“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 His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

The Primate has requested that all of the parishes of the Western Diocese to pray for the souls of the victims of Flight 7908 during the celebration of this Sunday’s Divine Liturgy. The faithful are encouraged join in the Church’s prayers. Upon the instruction of the Primate, the parishes in the greater Los Angeles area will hold a special requiem service for the repose of the sousl of the victims of this tragic accident.

Below is the list of Armenians who perished on the plane (via asbarez.com):

Annette Ajang
Nana Antashian
Edwin Asatrian
Arshavir Avakian
Azat Avanesian
Anoush Baboumian
Anna Poghosian
Levon Davtian
Martin Ter-Avanesian
Naira Stepanian
Shogher Stepanian
Melin Garanian
Karapet Ghoukasian
Armen Sargsian
Vavo Sargsian
Armen Sargsian
Yurik Shahbazian
Mrs. Shahmouradian
Khatchatour Simonian
Ara Siroyan
Zarmineh Souktazian
Vartanoush Tahmazian
Lousik Taroumian
Ramon Taroumian
Christine Ter-Hovannisian
Anahita Ter-Hovannisian
Tadeh Timash
R. Yaghoubian
Arthur Gregorian
Taline Karapetian
Edward Khatchik
Nairi Mayilian
Florik Hovsepian
Arshavir Manaserian
Karine Markarian
Massis Matian
Ani Melkoumkar
Arin Melkoumkar
Edward Navasartian
Ashot Nersisian