Western Diocese

April 20^th was a memorable day for the Armenian American community of the Greater Los Angeles Area. Through the initiative of Los Angeles Council President, Honorable Eric Garcetti, a great friend of the Western Diocese, the Armenian Genocide was commemorated by the Los Angeles City Council. Present for this occasion was His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, as well as a delegation consisting of the following esteemed individuals from the Diocese: Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian, Fr. Manoog Markarian, Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Mr. Raffi Kendirjian, as well as the following respected members of the community, Mr. Ara Agishian, Mr. Berj Shabazian, Mr. Tony Truisi, and Mr. Vahe Ashjian.

The Primate offered the opening prayer during a breakfast held prior to the council session. In his remarks he stated, “The recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the City Hall truly reflects the vision of the leaders of this city and their understanding of history. Healing cannot happen all by itself, healing needs sincere words, genuine respect, and prayer, but above all true repentance. We are no longer mourning the victims of the Armenian Genocide, for us they are martyrs and our lives are committed to achieving justice in respect of their memory.”

Following the breakfast, those in attendance proceeded to the Council Chambers where a presentation began with the remarks of Council President Garcetti. During the presentation Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also attended the event, and offered his remarks regarding the commemoration. His presence touched the hearts of the representatives in attendance through his sentiments for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. His Eminence also addressed those in attendance by saying, “Today’s remembrance of the City of Los Angeles to honor the memory of those who perished in the Armenian Genocide also extends tribute to the citizens of the United States of Armenian decent, who have become an integral part of American society With a hundred years of history Americans of Armenian origin have proven to be loyal citizens of this freedom loving land. Over the past many decades political leaders and activists, ecumenical leaders and intellectuals have rendered a tremendous respect for the memory of the victims of the Genocide.”

Also speaking during the presentation were Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, Honorable Mr. Armen Liloyan, Councilmember Dennis Zine (3^rd District), Councilmember Bill Rosendal (11^th District), Councilmember Wendy Greuel (9^th District), and Frank Zerunyan, Mayor pro-tem of Rolling Hills Estates.

Also in attendance were several students from the Dickranian, Pilibos, and Demirdjian Armenian Day Schools.

Primates Opening Prayer During the Breakfast Organized by Council President Eric Garcetti

Almighty God, we praise and glorify your name and thank you for the abundance of blessings bestowed upon us all. This hour of prayer enlightens our spirituality with a heart full of deep, respect for the victims of the Armenian Genocide who lost their most valuable gift, life itself, in encountering torture suffering for the sake of their faith in God and their love of their homeland. The world has witnessed the first genocide of the 20^th century which took place in the year 1915. The annals of history are abundant with vivid pictures and testimonies which witness mans inhumanity toward man.

For the past 92 years survivors of the Armenian Genocide and their sons and daughters have timelessly fought for justice. We give thanks to God for the wisdom of many religious and political leaders who have reawakened in the hearts and minds of humanity the respect for human life. Martin Luther King warned the world in his words “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere… and whatever affects on directly affects all indirectly.”

The recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the City Hall truly reflects the vision of the leaders of this city and their understanding of history. Healing cannot happen all by itself, healing needs sincere words, genuine respect, and prayer, but above all true repentance. We are no longer mourning the victims of the Armenian Genocide, for us they are martyrs and our lives are committed to achieving justice in respect of their memory.

Almighty God, nourish our hearts, souls, and minds with your wisdom and love that we may be able to continue to show compassion and forgiveness toward those of the Ottoman Turkish Empire which committed the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide.  However, help us to perpetually remember the loss of 1.5 million Armenians who gave their lives in the name of God. Commemorations educate people to better understand the past and also to revere the sanctity of God-given life.

Almighty God, Bless the souls of the victims of the Genocide. May their spirits strengthen within us our cherished values of respect for the family, a vision of brotherhood, a sense of social responsibility, true respect for humanity, and reverence for you O Lord.