April 24, 2014
We pause this day to remember the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide
that began 99 years ago on April 24, 1915
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.” (Ephesians 6:10-14)
Ninety-nine years ago, the historical fabric of the Armenian nation, woven oven a period of three millennia, was torn by a single cataclysmic event. One and a half million Armenian—one-half of their total population—were brutally and savagely slaughtered by the Ottoman Turks on the very land that the Armenian had inhabited in Asia Minor since antiquity.
The disruption of the historical continuity of a nation is an enormous tragedy, in human terms, in physical terms, in intellectual and cultural terms. It is a tragedy that can never be fully understood or assessed, because it puts an end to the timeless evolution of the unique culture of an ancient people, leaving only a question mark in place of what might have developed.
Ninety-nine years is more than a life-time. But memory outlasts human life because it becomes a part of history, the collective, continuing memory of humanity. Why is it necessary to remember after 99 years? Because a crime against humanity cannot and must not ever be forgotten. To forget such an atrocious act would be another crime, just as to deny the truth of the event is also a crime—a further crime against the victims and a crime against their children, grandchildren, and all their descendants yet to come.
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COMMEMORATION AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL
The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide that be commemorated at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, this Thursday, April 24. With Archbishop Oshagan presiding, a Solemn Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service will be celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan who will also deliver the Sermon. The Liturgy will begin at 10:30 am.
Following the church services, a “Walk to Honor our Martyrs,” will commence from the Cathedral at 12:30 pm to the United Nations. The “walk” is organized by the New York ARF and the ANC of New York.
COMMEMORATION AT TIMES SQUARE
Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the invocation at the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide that will be commemorated at the annual gathering at Times Square, 43rd Street and Broadway, New York City—the crossroads of the world, this Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 4 pm.
The event is sponsored by the Knights & Daughters of Vartan and co-sponsored by AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, ADL-Ramgavars, and Armenian Council of America, and with the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, Mid-Atlantic ACYOA, AYF-YOARF, Armenian Youth Organizations, and University Armenian Clubs.
Free bus transportation to & from Times Square from New York and New Jersey is available. For information go to kofv.org and click on April 24.
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ON RADIO
Radio station WBAI (99.5 FM) will broadcast a one-hour presentation on April 24, from 10 am to 11 am, commemorating the Armenian Genocide. The program is hosted by Anoush Tertaulian and will feature Professor Levon Chorbajian.
Two weeks ago WBAI broadcast a discussion of the Armenian Genocide that featured Mark Momjian, Esq., on the “Beyond the Pale” program hosted by Adam Sacks.
