The Armenian Church has reiterated the urgent need for universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, viewing it as essential to preventing similar atrocities globally, Sputnik Armenia reported citing the press service of the Mother See of Holy Ejmiatsin.

During a recent meeting with the Armenian community in Zurich, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for a deeper understanding of the events surrounding the Armenian Genocide. He urged reflection on why it happened, how it was perceived, and why it was not on the international agenda in 1939 but surfaced by 1950.

“The Armenian Genocide was not only a crime against our people but against all humanity,” the Church emphasized, also recalling that in 1921, Catholicos Gevorg V Sureniants designated April 24 as the day of remembrance for the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Additionally, it highlighted the construction of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan in 1965 to mark the 50th anniversary of the genocide. This, alongside monuments worldwide, symbolizes the united will of the Armenian nation, state, and church to demand recognition and condemnation of the genocide.

“On this sacred day, our people offer prayers and pay homage at these monuments,” the statement said. In 2015, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia presided over the canonization of Armenians martyred during the genocide “for faith and homeland.” This ceremony, the Church underscored, remains a testament to its unwavering stance.

Uruguay was the first country to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide in 1965, followed by 27 other nations, including France, Germany, Russia, and the U.S. Several international organizations, such as the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, have also adopted resolutions acknowledging the genocide.