Requiem Service in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for the Victims of the Huge Explosion in Beirut
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – 16/8/2020
On August 09, Divine Liturgy was offered at the St. Trdat Open Air Altar of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,. The Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan, Director of the Museums and Archives of the Mother See.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a Repose of Souls Service was offered for the victims of the massive explosion that rocked Lebanon’s capital Beirut on August 04.
Present at the Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service were Mrs. Maya Dagher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon to Armenia; Mr. Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board member, responsible for projects in the Middle East and Armenia; national benefactor Mr. Gabriel Chemberjian and Lebanese-Armenians.
The clergy and people, led by the Pontiff of All Armenians; prayed to God for the rest of the souls of the victims of Beirut blast.
Before the Repose of Souls Service, the Catholicos of All Armenians delivered His remarks of grief to the attendees on the occasion of the tragic evidence. His Holiness stated in part:
“Dearly Beloved Sons,
Today we offer our prayer to God for the friendly people in Lebanon who are in grief and hardship because of the catastrophic explosion in Beirut, asking that Heavenly God grant them strength them the strength to endure the pain of loss and the severe consequences of destruction. With sorrowful feelings we ask the Merciful Lord to grant peace and tranquility to the souls of the victims, including the Armenian children, to comfort the hearts of their relatives and all the mourners, and to heal the thousands of injured as soon as possible.
Lebanon has always been a friendly country, where thousands of children of our nation, survivors of the Armenian Genocide, have found support and encouragement.
Due to the kindness and brotherly spirit of the Arab people, the Armenian immigrants settled in Lebanon, completely organized their national and religious life, established schools, sanctuaries and cultural institutions. Under favorable conditions for peaceful and secure coexistence, Lebanese-Armenians, along with their Islamic-Christian brothers, made a significant contribution to the political, economic, and cultural life of Lebanon, and to the development and progress of the country. The relations between our two nations and countries have always been characterized by friendship and productive cooperation. Today Lebanon needs the support of states and nations. Our country is also providing assistance to the Lebanese people these days. Today all Armenians stand with Lebanon in this ordeal. On the occasion of this tragic disaster, once again We convey Our sympathies to the Honorable President of Lebanon, Our spiritual brother His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, the Armenian community, as well as, Our condolences to the families of the killed Armenians.
We believe that the benevolent people of Lebanon, who have endured many trials throughout their history, can overcome these trials and tribulations with their endurance, in the spirit of solidarity. On this occasion, dear ones, We extend Our pontifical appeal to our children around the world, to our dioceses, to show their support to the Lebanese-Armenian community, helping to restore the terrible damage and devastation caused by the explosion at this difficult time.
May Heavenly God keep the blessed people of Lebanon under His blessing, help them stay strong in this difficult moment, get out of the difficult trials, re-establish the process of a creative and secure life. May Almighty God, by His mercy, grant peace and prosperity to the world and all mankind, to our native country today, always. Amen.
