PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
ARMENIAN STUDENTS PAID THEIR RESPECTS TO THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS
Starting from the early morning hours of April 24 Armenian students began
arriving in the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias to pay their respects
to the one and a half million victims of the Armenian Genocide in the
Memorial chapel. The gathering was organized by the Education Council of the
Diocese of Lebanon under the auspices of Primate Bishop Kegham Khatcherian.
A special commemorative program was held around noon when a large number of
students gathered in the Catholicosate. The Primate of the Diocese,
spiritual fathers, members of the Education Council and teachers attended
the event. The program, which included songs performed by the choir, as well
as recitation of poems, was carried out by the students of several Armenian
schools. A requiem service followed the event.
Addressing the students, Bishop Kegham reminded them his very recent
arrival from Der Zor, where he accompanied a large number of Armenian
students from senior classes on a pilgrimage organized by the joint
Committee on the commemoration of the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. The students paid their respect to the victims of the Genocide in
the desert of Der Zor.
Speaking about the legacy of the victims, Bishop Kegham said they get
thrilled today when they look down from heaven to the birth of new Armenian
generations and the nation’s will to survive. He highlighted the important
role of the Armenian school, encouraging students to continue on the path of
our victims. He added that even during the most severe days of deportation,
Armenian parents never failed to teach their children the Armenian language.
Towards the end of his speech the Bishop stressed that Armenian students
should not remember their victims only on April 24 but should turn each day
of the year into a day of commemoration and struggle. He called on them to
stay true to the faith inspired by the victims in order to occupy a
worthwhile place in the family of nations in an increasingly globalising
world.
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View the photos here: #4