WASHINGTON — To commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, today, thousands joined Armenian President Serge Sargisian, members of Congress, Pontiffs of the Armenian Church and multi-faith leaders for an ecumenical service at the National Cathedral in the nation’s capital.
With a message of awareness, gratitude and unity, the ecumenical service served as the signature event for three days of services, exhibitions, concerts and an award ceremony led by the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC).
Esteemed guests and representatives of various faiths gathered for “The Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide: A Prayer for Justice and Peace” to remember those lost in the Genocide and to demonstrate gratitude for the regeneration of life for which the survivors and their saviors worked so hard.
The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, welcomed attendees to the service and the Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, delivered the homily. The interfaith ceremony was led by Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and Aram I Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
Also in attendance were the descendants of saviors who contributed to the survival of thousands of Armenians a century ago. During the service, they were acknowledged and praised for their human compassion and selfless bravery.
“Worshippers of all faiths long for a world of tolerance and devoid of hate and violence,” said Noubar Afeyan, chair of the NCAGC Steering Committee, who is himself the descendant of a Genocide survivor.
