On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the Genocide monument in Montebello5 Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, participated in a religious ceremony commemorating the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and with the presence of community leaders, led a prayer to honor the memory of all those who were massacred during the Armenian Genocide. On this occasion, Armenian scouts conducted the flag ceremony.
The commemoration ceremony of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide featured speeches given by government officials and representatives of Armenian political parties, who emphasized the significance of demanding and advocating for our rights while denouncing and condemning Turkey for its genocidal actions over a century ago and Azerbaijan for their current policies, human rights violations, and atrocities committed against Artsakh Armenians.
Attendees at the ceremony included spiritual and community dignitaries, representatives of various organizations, and speakers who placed wreaths at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument of Montebello. Ms. Dzovig Zetlian, and Mr. Jack Hajinian participated in the pan-Armenian commemorative ceremony representing the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy of the United States.
On the same day, in the afternoon, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, also participated in the public commemoration event outside the Glendale City Hall, alongside the Mayor of Glendale, City Council members, and a large crowd. Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian form the Executive Council was also in attendance. Throughout the ceremony, various Armenian and non-Armenia leaders and political figures delivered speeches, denouncing the premeditated and planned atrocities committed by the Ottoman government against Armenians during World War I, resulting in the annihilation of over one and a half Armenians from Western Armenia, along with the loss of their lands, possessions, wealth, culture, demographic makeup, social fabric, educational institutions, and historical heritage. The speakers also denounced the anti-Armenian crimes of Turkey and Azerbaijan against Artsakh and Artsakh Armenians.
On April 22, 2024, the annual commemorative event honoring the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held at the California State Capitol building in Sacramento. Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khachadourian, participated in the commemorative event on behalf of the Western Prelacy Prelate. During the event, Very Rev. Fr. Khachadourian delivered a prayer in remembrance of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, and the flag ceremony was led by HMEM scouts. Mr. Berj Apkarian, Executive Council member of the Western Prelacy of the United States and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno, was also in attendance at the commemorative event in Sacramento.
