PASTOR OF BERLIN PROTESTANT CHURCH PRINCE PHILIP KIRILL OF PRUSSIA APOLOGIZES TO ARMENIANS FOR GERMANY AND HIS GRANDFATHER KAISER WILHELM II
by Ashot Safaryan
Tuesday, April 21, 15:01
Pastor of Berlin Protestant Church Prince Philip Kirill of Prussia,
who is the great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II arrived in
Armenia on April 20.
On April 21, the great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II visited
the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan.
Talking to reporters, Prince Philip Kirill of Prussia said he shares
the paid of the Armenian people and could but visit Armenia as he
feels his part of responsibility of the Genocide in the Ottoman
Empire. “As the grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II I identify myself
with his mistakes. I think my predecessor had an opportunity to
prevent that horrific tragedy in he Ottoman Empire, as Germany was
Turkey’s ally during the WWI and had a colossal political influence
on the Ottoman Empire. My great-great grandfather could prevent that
tragedy, but did not do it. I feel a big pain and shame,” Prince
Philip Kirill of Prussia said. The Pastor of Berlin Protestant Church
will participate in the Interchurch forum organized by the Church
“The World of Life.” On April 23, he will attend the ceremony of
canonization of the Armenian Genocide Victims at the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin. “It is a great honor for me to participate in these
events,” he said. Church Prince Philip Kirill of Prussia said he
would like to see Germany government members at the events in Yerevan.
He is sure official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the
FRG would help develop Armenia and boost the Armenian-Turkish
reconciliation efforts.