Armenian Genocide Commemoration to be Held in Washington D.C
Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America – 25/2/15
A special gathering and commemorative activity will take place at the Capital of the United States of America, Washington D.C. on May 7, 8 & 9, 2015. The events will be presided by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the House of Cilicia.
Remembering the 1.5 Million Martyrs of 1915 will take place in the solemnity of the National Cathedral.
Four major events will carry these themes forward:
THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL, MAY 7 AT 7:00 P.M.
Prayers of remembrance, respect, and unity will make a powerful beginning for the weekend, as His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, jointly lead Armenian clergy and representatives of other faiths in an ecumenical service. Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan will attend, and senators, congressmen, diplomats and other dignitaries will remember the lost in the Genocide, and show gratitude for the regeneration of life that the survivors worked to create. The service will include musical contributions and speakers who will inspire awareness and a sense of purpose.
THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE, MAY 8 AT 8:00 P.M.
Armenian culture will come alive in “A Journey Through 100 Years of Armenian Music.” The acclaimed Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia and other renowned musicians will present a range of music, from the classic melodies of Komitas Vartabed to contemporary pieces composed especially for the Genocide centennial. A program full of surprises and ending with a truly “grand” finale will engage and delight the audience.
NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MAY 9 AT 10:00 A.M.
His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I will lead a unified celebration of the Armenian Divine Liturgy. The liturgy will be sung by a united choir of representatives from Armenian churches around the country. The 3,000-seat Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, on the campus of Catholic University, will provide a stunning atmosphere for the occasion.
THE MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL, MAY 9 AT 6:00 P.M.
A reception and banquet offer “A Time to Give Thanks”: an opportunity to honor those who have helped Armenians in the past and present. Awareness, unity, and gratitude will be expressed through the words of keynote speaker Dr. Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Mark Geragos will host the evening of musical performances, presentations, and awards.
Throughout the weekend, innovative workshops, films, and exhibits will be mounted in public spaces in the nation’s capitol and around the Marriott Marquis. Themes of the commemoration will be explored by well-known authors and speakers. Events will be designed in cooperation with young people, bringing in new generations and looking to the future. Activities will be provided for children, with entertainment and childcare available during the banquet.
The Western Diocese has organized a special trip from May 6 to 11 for individuals who wish to attend the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemorative Events.
For more information, visit http://armeniangenocidecentennial.org or emailinfo@armeniangenocidecentennial.org
