Armenian Genocide Commemorated

April 24, 2009: On Thursday, 24 April 2009, thousands of Armenians gathered in front of the Memorial for the Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide in the courtyard of the Catholicosate in Antelias Lebanon. The Martyrs’ Chapel was built when the remains of one-and-a-half million victims were brought from the desert of Der Zor to Antelias, Lebanon.

The Prelate of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. At the end of the liturgy His Holiness Aram I led the procession to the ‘Eternal Torch’ inside the Chapel where he celebrated the memorial service. In his address, he said: “The memory of our martyrs gives meaning to our lives because the future is a forward-looking vision built on past and present memories and experiences. As we pray in this place today, we cannot but once more renew our demand for justice for the inhuman acts committed against innocent men, women and children. Turkey wanted to eliminate us as a country and a people. We are grateful to all those countries that have recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915. However, we want to tell them that recognition is not enough; we want justice. We are not asking for mercy from the world; we are demanding justice. This is our right. The Armenian nation is a victim of injustice; its human rights are violated. We cannot remain silent in view of this prevailing injustice. Our collective memory will not heal unless justice is victorious. Neither roadmaps, nor reciprocal visits will restore justice.”

And then turning to the youth, he said: “You have just returned from your pilgrimage to Der Zor where the massacres happened. You walked on the sand mixed with the remains of your ancestors. You threw flowers into the Euphrates River that washed away the bodies of men, women and children. You should now bring your pilgrimage into its fruition by using your knowledge and expertise to overcome denial and injustice in a non-violent way.”

At the end of the Requiem, official representatives, organizations, school children and the people passed in front of the ‘Eternal Torch’ and placed wreaths and flowers.

Armenian Genocide Commemorated in Turkey
ISTANBUL, Turkey -- On April 24, the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Organization of Turkey organized an event in Istanbul commemorating the Armenian Genocide. The commemoration was held in what was formerly the "tobacco warehouse," now renovated and being used for exhibitions, events and meetings.

The event opened with the Armenian and Assyrian songs performed by the group "Kardes Turkuler" (Songs of Brotherhood).

Lawyer Eren Keskin's greeted the audience, numbering around 150, and said, "Today is the 24th of April, the 94th anniversary of the arrests in Istanbul which started the Armenian genocide in 1915." She added, "The official history [in Turkey] denies the genocide, but we know what happened and we believe it's important to tell people the truth. So, today we will commemorate the most brilliant intellectuals of the Ottoman Armenians: poets, writers physicians, lawyers, members of parliament, who were taken away on the 24th April 1915 and murdered."

The Bosphorus Performance Arts Group presented the life stories and poems of three great Armenian poets who perished during the Armenian Genocide--Roupen Sevag, Siamanto, and Taniel Varoujan--as well as the life and work of writer, lawyer and member of parliament Krikor Zohrab, who was also killed during the genocide. The presentation was accompanied by photographs projected on a screen and Armenian folk music played in the background.

Publisher Ragip Zarakolu talked about Teotig, the Armenian writer who was arrested together with others but escaped miraculously, and his famous book Hushartzan Abril Dasnimegi, which will be published in Turkish soon by the Belge publishing house. An exhibition of pages from this book was held in conjunction with the event, with lit candles under each page. A brief Turkish translation of each page was also provided.

In turn, Eren Keskin talked about Gomidas, while songs performed by Gomidas himself (recorded in 1912 in Paris) were played in the background and Gomidas' photographs projected on the screen. At the end Eren Keskin said, "let's leave the last word to Gomidas Vartabed." Then Gomidas song "Karun a" was heard while images of the deportation of Armenians were projected on the screen. - By Ayse Gunaysu (www.hairenik.com)

Armenian Genocide Commemorated in Holy Etchmiadzin

On the morning of April 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, visited the National Memorial to the Armenian Genocide, located on Tsitsernakaberd Hill in Yerevan. His Holiness was accompanied by members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.

At the memorial, His Holiness Karekin II and His Excellency Serzh Sargsian, President of the Republic of Armenia, placed floral wreaths before the eternal flame of the monument. His Holiness presided during a Requiem service dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million innocent victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.

Also present for the ceremony were high-ranking goverment officials, members of the National Assembly, Armenian Church benefactors from the Diaspora and other dignitaries.

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The same day, a solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral of of Holy Etchmiadzin by His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Grace delivered a message in remembrance of this crime against humanity.

Following the Liturgy, a procession of clergy escorted the Catholicos to the Memorial of the Armenian Genocide located on the grounds of the Mother See, north of the Mother Cathedral. Standing near the monument of Khatchkars (Stone-crosses), His Holiness presided during a special Repose of Souls service. Also in attendance during the services was His Excellency Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Vatican Nuncio to the Southern Caucasus.
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Easter message to expatriate Copts from President Hosny Mubarak

April 26, 2009 : In an Easter message to expatriate Copts, President Hosny Mubarak stressed that no-one can harm the unity of Egypt’s Muslims and Copts, both of whom constitute the common, tight-knit texture of the Egyptian community. Every member in that community, Mubarak said, enjoys full citizenship rights and believes that religion concerns God while the homeland belongs to all. The President said: “I tell you as president of all Egyptians that we will never allow attempts at conspiracy or vilification to cause division between the two wings of the nation. We will fight culprits by the force of law, and Egypt will remain a safe homeland for all its children without the least doubt of any bias or discrimination.”

Even though the President was addressing expatriate Copts, his message relayed by the media at the forefront of the news, reached Copts and Muslims in Egypt. It undoubtedly produced a general feeling of comfort, while at the same time raising a few questions that beg answers. That such a declaration has come from the head of the State implies that the State views itself as the entity which incorporates all Egyptians and secures their rights as full citizens with full equality, with no bias or discrimination. This in itself confirms that the citizenship clause which comes at the forefront of the Egyptian Constitution is the sole standard which governs rights, legislation, and laws. However, the realistic implementation of citizenship rights and the materialisation of the President’s message from a mere congratulatory note into a fact on the ground, remains the focus of scepticism.

Easter message from Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas

BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Ignatius Zakka I Iwas
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church
No.E56/09

05-April-2009

Apostolic Benediction to our beloved Metropolitans and our dear spiritual children: the Reverend clergy and the faithful of all our Malankara Syrian Jacobite churches and congregations in the Arabian Gulf Region, USA, Europe, Australia and Singapore.

At this blessed season of the resurrection of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, we have great joy in reaching you all through this message. St. Paul the blessed apostle, praising the resurrection of Lord, proclaims: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (I Cor. 15:54). Man has achieved great progress and achievements in various fields of science, medicine etc. But on the other side we see that, the uncertainties of life and threats to human existence are emerging in diverse forms and measures, than ever before. Various new-new diseases and maladies for which we fail to find out remedy, and the other forms of disasters, like terrorism, violence, religious and territorial fundamentalism, unhealthy competitions etc., adds to that uncertainty of human life. These all explicitly infer that, man has his existence and hope of life only through God, who is the true giver and sustainer of life. Our Lord commanded that “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die”. (John 1:25, 26). The poor disciples became immensely dejected and totally lost at the death of Jesus. But without delay, on the very third day, He through his resurrection cheered them up beyond their perceptions, and instilled into them a new dimension and meaning of life. He proved that he is above death and the other uncertainties of this world. He came out as a grant victor by defeating the powers of death and satan. No forces could conquer him and keep him under its fist. Thus, St. Paul derides the evils of this world and death, and challenges, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” And he strongly proclaims that “Having been raised from death, death no longer has domain over Him”. The apostle again goes on to encourage us that “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:11)

Dear spiritual children, let us put our trust and hope, only in our Lord and seek the peace and consolation that He offers, which is above realms of this world. That only will give us real peace and prospect of life. That only can strengthen us to live a life of victory even in the midst of adversities, and lead a life worthy of salvation and eternal life. When we celebrate this feast of the Easter, let us sanctify and cleanse ourselves of all defilements of this world. Let us also clothe ourselves with the glory of the resurrection of our Lord and by Him be we besprinkled with a new fragrance of spirit. We wish you all a Blessed and Happy Easter and extend our Apostolic Blessings to you. May the grace of God be with you all forever. Amen.

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EASTER CELEBRATION IN THE SYRIAN ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE IN DAMASCUS

Damascus, April 19, 2009: His Holiness Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East and the Supreme head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church led the Holy Mass celebrations on the Easter day at the St.George Syrian Orthodox Cathedral in Damascus. Their Eminences Mor Philoxinus Mattias Nayis, the Patriarchal Assistant and Mor Ivanios Paulose Al-Souky, the Patriarchal-Vicariate of Damascus, assisted His Holiness during the Easter day Mass. After the Holy Mass, the divine, His Holiness accepted the congratulations of all believers.

On the ocassion H.E. Dr. Ghassan Laham, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs met His Holiness, and conveyed congratulations of the respected President of the country, Mr. President Dr. Bashar al-Assad Mukarram.

His Holiness also received a large number of officials of the party and the state, led by governor of Damascus and the two sub-leaders of the party and the police and representatives from the Ministry of Awqaf and a large number of Islamic scholars and heads of Christian communities in Damascus, especially the Catholic and Apostolic Ambassador in Damascus.

Passion Week Service the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate

Copts Celebrate the End of Passion Week, Egyptian Churches Hold Easter Mass Today

April 18, 2009: The Coptic Church ended its celebrations for Passion Week in preparation for Easter.

Priest Armia Adly, Shubra el-Kheima Under Archbishop and professor of Old Testament at the Clerical Institute, said the church celebrated Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and finally Good Friday, the day when Jesus was crucified.

He said today the Church is celebrating Holy Saturday, the day after the burial of Christ - according to Christianity.

Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark’s Church, is due to celebrate the Easter Mass tonight at the Coptic Cathedral in el-Abbasia, a quarter in Cairo.

Easter Sunday in Holy Etchmiadzin

On Sunday, April 12, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin on the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ. With the tiding of "Christ is Risen from the dead! Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ", His Holiness blessed and greeted all Armenians in the homeland and dispersed throughout the world.

To read His Holiness’ message, delivered during the liturgy, please click on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/df7h2f

To view the video on YouTube, click on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/d5f7ch

Easter Sunday at the Catholicosate of Armenia

Sunday 12 April 2009, The church and courtyard of the Catholicosate was packed with people who had come to celebrate the Easter Sunday Holy Divine Liturgy. Representatives of other communities in Lebanon and political personalities came to Antelias to greet His Holiness Aram I as well on this important day in the life of the Christian church.

The Liturgy was celebrated by His Holiness Aram I, with the assistance of Archbishop Komitas and Bishop Nareg. Catholicos Aram I used the Biblical verse, “Take courage: I have conquered the World” (John 16:33) for his sermon. His Holiness said that Jesus conquered the world through the principles and values he brought to humanity, and that our people have lived, struggled and created through their deep Christian faith, martyrdom and the hope of resurrection inherited from their ancestors.

As one of the Spiritual Heads of Lebanon’s seven major communities, His Holiness then addressed the current situation in Lebanon. He said: “These days are critical moments for the country. As children of Lebanon we must strengthen its internal coherence, participate in its reconstruction and nation building.” He then directed his message to politicians and reminded them of their responsibilities: “The divisive political culture of the country has deepened tension among its leaders and the people. Armenian political parties should avoid such a confrontational culture and express their opinion based on mutual respect. The three Armenian political parties should consult one another on important national issues and develop common perspectives in spite of their differing political opinions. Such an approach will not only help the Armenian community, but Lebanon as a whole. Let our internal consensus serve as an example to other communities”.


He went on to say: “The Armenian candidates running for legislative elections should remember that they represent the whole of the Armenian community and thus act accordingly. Representation means seeking the mind of the community and serving it with the sense of responsibility and accountability.

His Holiness then reminded that “The Armenian community will continue to act responsibly and work for the independence, sovereignty, integrity of Lebanon and safeguard its specificity. With these goals in mind, the Armenian community will cooperate with everybody. We believe in the important role of Lebanon in the Arab World, its model of Christians and Muslims living together, its democratic system and its human and cultural values. Because of its important political role in the Arab world, Lebanon is a bridge between the East and the West.

His Holiness finished by stating: “Lebanon is our homeland. We have defended its territorial integrity, its independence and unity under all circumstances and will continue defending these sacred values. Lebanon belongs to all the Lebanese. There are no majority or minority in Lebanon. We are all minorities and Lebanon alone is the majority. Lebanon is a country of co-existence, and this is its unique message. We are all accountable to Lebanon. There cannot be ‘us’ and ‘them’ in Lebanon. This thinking should end. Lebanon comes first and foremost. We must establish together a Lebanese agenda for Lebanon, and elaborate a common vision sustained by the basic values of Lebanon. All Lebanese are called to serve the interests of Lebanon. This should be the basic principle for everybody before and after Legislative elections. This should be the driving force of the Armenian Community”.

Egypt church issues first conversion certificate

CAIRO (AFP) April 11, 2009 - Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church has for the first time issued a certificate of conversion to a Muslim-born Christian, his lawyer said, in a country where religious conversion is highly sensitive.Maher al-Gohari, who is seeking to change his religion on his official documents from Muslim to Christian was asked by a court to provide a conversion certificate from the Egyptian church.

“He handed it in today,” Nabil Gabriel told AFP. “It is the first time the church provides this sort of certificate.” In Egypt, citizens are required to carry their personal ID cards at all times. Without an ID card, one has no access to basic services. It is only the second time that such a request has been formally made in a country where converting to Christianity, while not illegal, is practically impossible.

Last year, a court rejected a request by a Christian convert from Islam, Mohammed Higazi, to have his new religion written on his identity card. Highlighting the sensitivity of the topic, the church would not comment on Gohari’s case specifically.

“In general, the church cannot turn away anyone who reaches out to it, otherwise it would be abandoning one its role as a church.” Tensions often run high between Egypt’s Muslim and Christian communities in an increasingly religious society dominated by Sunni Muslims.

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVED IN THE ARMENIAN CHURCH

April 10, 2009: The friday 10th April 2009, the Armenian faithful gathered around the ‘tomb’ constructed in front of the Altar of the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator. The tomb was covered with colorful flowers and the Reliquary of the wood from the cross of Jesus stood on it. While the seminary choir sang “Sourp Asdvadz” (Holy God), His Holiness Aram I and the clergy knelt in front of the tomb and then His Holiness Aram I presided over the funeral service.

At the end of the service Catholicos Aram I shared his reflections on the meaning of the ‘empty tomb’, and the power it has acquired from the Resurrection event and its promise of eternal life. He described the ‘empty tomb’ as the unfolding of the mystery of Christian faith through Jesus’ life and death. He said: “the eternal entered time and the incomprehensible was comprehended ”. For him the presence of youth at the commemorative service was an affirmation of the mission of the church transmitted through generations. In conclusion he told the youth, “Jesus is present among us every moment and everywhere. Your continual presence in the church and your participation in its life transforms the church into a mission.”

At the end of the ceremony His Holiness Aram I blessed the people with the Reliquary, After that, according to the tradition, the faithful then passed under the empty tomb and took with them flowers as a sign of the promise of eternal life.

HOLY THURSDAY SERVICE IN ARMENIAN CHURCH

The Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, the Washing of the Feet and prayers of Lamentation in Antelias Holy Thursday, 9 April 2009