Congressman Hamadeh Hosts Rev. Fr. Andrew Aziz to Open US House Session with Prayer | May 21, 2026

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:04]House will be in order. The prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, Reverend Father Andrew Aziz, the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, Gilbert, Arizona.

[00:00:17]>> [snorts] >> In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.

[00:00:24]Heavenly Father, we stand before you acknowledging your sovereign wisdom and mercy. We come to you at this hour asking you to bless and strengthen our civil servants as they labor for our country and its citizens.

[00:00:37]Let their deliberations be inspired by love, compassion, and justice for all, serving the common good with integrity and a heart for the needs of every citizen without distinction of race or creed.

[00:00:49]In all things, oh Lord, remind us of our dependence on your divine grace. Father, we ask you to bless our land, which has been a beacon of hope and a refuge for the oppressed and the marginalized.

[00:01:02]Grant freedom to the captive, relief to the suffering, and help us all to construct a better and safer tomorrow for our future generations of Americans.

[00:01:12]Amen.

[00:01:18]The chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House the approval thereof pursuant to clause one of rule one, the journal stands approved. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Luttrell.

[00:01:33]I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[00:01:47]Without objection, the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Hamed is recognized for 1 minute.

[00:01:57]Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Father Andrew Aziz, a devoted priest in the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East and a proud Arizonan.

[00:02:07]Father Andrew faithfully serves Arizona's thriving Assyrian-American community. Thousands of strong families preserving one of the world's oldest Christian faiths and their ancient Mesopotamian heritage. Like so many who came to America seeking freedom, they've brought deep faith, tight-knit families, entrepreneurial drive, and true patriotism to our state.

[00:02:29]Through their churches and community work, they strengthen Arizona every day.

[00:02:33]I'm proud to thank Father Aziz for his dedicated service. Arizona is stronger because of leaders like him and the vibrant Assyrian-American community he serves. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you.