LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the Western United States (AGCC-WUSA) announced today four major events its body is organizing in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial. During a press conference held at Phoenicia Restaurant, Co-Chairs Garo Ghazarian, Esq., and Taline Yacoubian, Esq., announced that the committee is activity preparing to commemorate the loss of those who perished and honor the lives of the survivors and those who helped rescue Armenians.
“It is an honor to work with 19 different organizations and religious leaders in a joint effort to honor the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide,” remarks Co-chair Ghazarian. “A Century later, we have proven to remain a strong and active diaspora and it is our hope that these events will exhibit the multifaceted, thriving nature of the Armenian-American population in the United States.”
On April 14, 23 and 24 and 26, 2015, thousands will gather in Los Angeles to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. While remembering those who were lost, communities will also give thanks for the creation of a new Armenia and for thriving Armenian communities around the world.
Four major events will carry these themes forward:
April 14, 2105 — A special ecumenical service at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, will take place with the participation of representatives and interfaith leaders from various churches and religious denominations as well as civic officials from the City of Los Angeles. Prayers of remembrance, respect, and unity will make a powerful beginning for the events to follow the religious service. Religious leaders will lead a prayer to remember the lost in the Genocide, and show gratitude for the regeneration of life that the survivors worked to create
April 23, 2015 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America will host a solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral with the participation of all Armenian churches.
April 24, 2015 — The March for Justice is the largest event that the AGCC-WUSA will be hosting. The March is approximately 6 miles long; it will begin in Little Armenia at 10AM and will end with a protest in front of the Turkish Consulate in the Wilshire District. This Pan-Armenian march of protest will unite, without exception, the Armenian community in its quest for justice while demonstrating collective strength and spirit. Protesters will thank those who have helped to spread awareness of the Armenian Genocide, and those who work tirelessly to prevent genocide elsewhere in the world.
April 26, 2015 — The City of Glendale hosts an annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. This year they will partner with the AGCC to host a joint event commemorating the 100th anniversary at the Alex Theater. This event will include musical performances, viewing of documentaries and a key note speaker. Further details to be announced.
“Our goal is to bring the entire Armenian-American community together on the solemn occasion of the Genocide,” commented Co-Chair Yacoubian. “While we commemorate the martyrs of the Genocide, we are grateful for the opportunities our ancestors found on arrival in this country, we are also deeply indebted to those institutions and individuals who helped the survivors during the Genocide.”
The AGCC-WUSA was established to steer and coordinate the multifaceted commemorative activities in the Western United States and is composed of nineteen (19) Armenian organizations, including religious institutions. The 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide signifies a global demand for justice by Armenians worldwide and all people of good will. The Centennial marks one of the 20th century’s greatest crimes against humanity. In 1915, the Turkish Government began a premeditated and systematic campaign to uproot the Armenian population from its ancestral homeland and slaughter 1.5 million defenseless men, women and children. Turkey must finally acknowledge its responsibility for the Genocide and make appropriate moral, financial and territorial restitution, as mandated by the fundamental norms of international law and civilized society.
he representatives of the following organizations and institutions serve on the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee – Western USA: Armenia Fund – Western Region USA; Armenian Assembly of America; Armenian Bar Association; Armenian Catholic Church; Armenian Council of America; Armenian Cultural Foundation; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian General Benevolent Union – Western District; Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region; Armenian Relief Society – Western USA; Armenian Rights Council; Armenian Youth Federation; Ignatius Foundation; Nor Or Charitable Foundation; Nor Serount Cultural Association; Organization of Istanbul Armenians; Unified Young Armenians; Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church
100 Days Until the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
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