Armenian Martyrs Day

Tomorrow, Armenians around the world will solemnly remember the great tragedy that befell our people 99 years ago. Beginning in 1915, more than 1.5 million Armenians were massacred by the Ottoman Turkish Empire in what has come to be known as the Armenian Genocide. Around 75 percent of the entire population of Armenians in the world at that time was annihilated, making it the first attempt at genocide perpetrated in modern times. Indeed, the very word “genocide” (denoting the destruction of an entire people) was coined to describe the policy of systematic extermination which the Ottoman regime used against the Armenian population.

Armenians remember this dark episode of history through religious and cultural observances every year on April 24: the date when the first onslaught, which targeted Armenian elites and intellectuals, began.

Armenian Martyrs Day will be observed at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Thursday, April 24. The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:30 a.m. Badarak will be followed by a requiem service. A blessing of madagh will take place following the service. The cathedral will remain open throughout the day for prayer and remembrance.

Local commemorations are planned throughout the Diocese. Check with your parish to learn about events planned in your area.

The annual Genocide Commemoration sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan will be held in Times Square (43rd Street and Broadway) on Sunday, April 27, beginning at 2 p.m. Click here for information.

The Knights and Daughters of Vartan are also sponsoring a unique memorial this year: twin searchlights, which will shine up from the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral plaza for 99 hours starting on April 24.

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