Cyprus Mail
April 25, 2009 Saturday

Local events to mark Armenian genocide anniversary

Claudia Konyalian

CYPRUS’ Armenian community have been joining Armenians worldwide in a
series of activities commemorating the 94th anniversary of the 1915
Armenian Genocide, when over one and a half million people were killed
by Ottoman Turks, remembered annually worldwide on April 24.

Local activities began on April 22 with a blood donation at the Nareg
Armenian Elementary School in Nicosia in memory of the victims.

Yesterday, a youth march took place from Eleftheria Square through the
capital to Armenias Avenue, and on up to the Sourp Astvadzadzin (Holy
Mary) Armenian Church.

A community march followed along Armenias Avenue to the Genocide
Monument located near the entrance of the church, after which at
memorial service was held.

Later in the evening, a divine liturgy and memorial service took place
at the Sourp Astvadzadzin Church. Meanwhile CyBC2 screened Memories, a
documentary on the Armenian Genocide directed by Avedis Ohanian that
won Best International Political Documentary Award at the New York
International Independent Film and Video Festival 2008.

The main event remembering the genocide will take place this evening
at 7pm at the PASYDY Auditorium in Nicosia, under the auspices of
House President Marios Garoyian.

Tomorrow an Armenian Liturgy and Memorial will be held at the Saint
George Greek Orthodox church in Paphos.

Armenian Representative in Parliament Vartkes Mahdessian will address
the House on April 30 on the occasion of the anniversary.