Western Diocese

On April 20, 2010, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors had organized a special program dedicated to the 95^th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. At 9:00 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America delivered his message at the start of the session.

The Primate was introduced by Supervisor Mike D. Antonovich, who represents the 5^th District of Los Angeles County. The Primate was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Diocesan Council members Mr. Armen Hampar, Mr. Bob Barsam and Mrs. Hermine Janoyan, Ladies Society Central Council Chair Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Western Diocese Executive Director Mr. Harout Markarian.

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

Dear Supervisors,

The action taken by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to recognize the Armenian Genocide and honor the memory of the victims of the first Genocide of the 20^th century is a noble and just initiative.

This year, Armenians around the world commemorate the 95^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide which was perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks and urge all nations to recognize the Genocide. The act of genocide perpetrated with premeditation is a vivid crime against humanity. 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 homage to all those nations and countries which have supported the survivors of the Genocide and have shown their respect to the memory of the victims.

We are no longer a nation of mourning our losses. On the contrary, we are celebrating the Resurrection of our nation. In the words of His Holiness Karekin I, the late Catholicos of All Armenians "Armenians die but the Armenian spirit lives on. A nation that refuses to die lives forever" (Karekin I - 1995, 1997). However, the current progress of our young generation does not and cannot permit us to lessen within our conscience the obligation to carry on the surviving spirit of the victims of the Genocide and above all, the recognition of the Genocide.

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.