Western Diocese

On April 23, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian represented the Primate at the Los Angeles City Council which had organized a Commemoration Program for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. His Eminence was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Mampre Kesabyan, Parish Priest of St. Kevork Armenian Church in Glendale, and Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese.

The Commemoration Program was hosted by Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Paul Krekorian. The special guest of the day was Genocide survivor and renowned filmmaker J. Michael Hagopian who was presented with a Resolution honoring his distinguished work.

We kindly present to you the Primate's message in its entirety.

Dear Members of the Los Angeles City Council,

On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to you for hosting this memorable event.

Certainly, it is our duty and moral responsibility be present here today to commemorate the 95^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and honor the memory of the victims of the first Genocide of the 20^th century with the distinguished members of the Los Angeles City Council as well as with the friends of the Armenian community whose support in the pursuance of justice for the Armenian Genocide is much appreciated.

It is also a privilege to honor the legacy of one of the very few survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Dr. J. Michael Hagopian. This remarkable individual with his unparalleled documentary films has educated generations about the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide. His critically acclaimed production of "The Forgotten Genocide," a film which required 20 years of research with over 400 witness interviews, earned him two Emmy awards. Dr. Hagopian possesses an unmatched desire to educate the world of the first Genocide of the 20^th century. He yearns to witness the day when those responsible for carrying out the premeditated Genocide accept the incontestable facts and recognize it for its nature, Genocide.

The past 95 years have been years of victory for the sons and daughters of the Armenian nation who have continued their struggle in preserving their faith and culture. However, it is also important to pay respect where it is due. Many nations and countries have supported the survivors of the Genocide and have honored the memory of the victims. 

We are here today, with dual responsibilities as Armenian Christians who ought to guard and cherish their God-given gifts and we are also here as citizens of the United States of America filled with the spirit of the founding fathers of this great nation to become exemplary leaders of our communities.

May God bless you and protect you all.