Armenian Genocide centenary commemorated in Thailand

PanARMENIAN.Net - Honoring 100 years with 100 candles and prayers, the Armenian community of Thailand marked the centenary of the Armenian Genocide with a vigil and a photo exhibit titled, “Renewal and Continuity.”

The event was held at Christ Church Bangkok, in the presence of Thai government officials, ambassadors, consuls, diplomats, and guests, as well as religious leaders, the Armenian Weekly reports.

“Today, with the new generation of Armenians worldwide, we feel the moral and historic responsibility to create the consciousness amongst our respective societies and the various influential spheres to prevent future genocides,” said Honorary Consul Arto Artinian during his speech. “We also seek and demand the true recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a crime committed against humanity.”

The commemoration program included a meaningful prayer and heartfelt message by the Reverend Tim Eady, acting vicar of Christ Church Bangkok. The keynote speech was delivered by Artinian, and the memorial prayers by Deacon Sarkis Tarakjian. The cultural program was solemn, with a violin performance of Chopin’s “Nocturne,” as well as Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”

The event was organized by the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia to Thailand. The vigil was followed by the photo exhibit in the adjacent community hall. Both venues were specially prepared and draped with the colors of purple and orange—the colors of the forget-me-not flower. There was also a live screening of the ringing of the bells from Etchmiadzin, Armenia.