U.S. Armenians to commemorate Genocide centennial in Washington

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Centennial of the Armenian Genocide will have its climax in a three-day commemoration in the nation’s capital from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9. All Armenian-American churches, compatriotic and benevolent organizations, and political groups are uniting to present one powerful voice to the American nation and the world for this supreme effort which will be a clarion call not only for the United States, but internationally, Asbarez reports.

In a telephone conversation with this writer, Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Chairman of the National Genocide Commemoration Committee, in emphasizing the crucial concept of unity for this important event, he noted that it forms a great part of the word community.

“We need to express our gratitude and deep appreciation to the institutions and people who have contributed so valiantly to our survival and well-being. Many forces stepped in and supported us, especially in the United States,” Dr. Afeyan said. The National Council of Churches, and the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops have formally invited President Barack Obama and members of the U.S. Congress to attend the ecumenical service at the National Cathedral. Also expected to be present is the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.

Partaking in the special service in Washington’s august National Cathedral will be the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, and the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I. The three days of events in Washington D.C. will be under the auspices of the two Catholicoi who will journey from Armenia following the canonization of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide in Holy Etchmiadzin on April 23. On that day, there will be ringing of church bells around the world.