On Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale became a spiritual haven for the 1.5 million consecrated martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, the brave soldiers of the Armenian Army who were killed during the 44-day war in Artsakh, as well as missing soldiers and the peace-loving people of Artsakh. The event was under the auspices of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, and organized by the Pastors and Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Armenian Church, in particular by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. Garo Eshkian.
In attendance were H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, members of clergy, Central Executive Council, Executive Council, representatives from community organizations and about a thousand faithful.
The opening remarks were made by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Church, which was followed by national-patriotic songs performed by soloists; Mr. Berj Kirazian (Tenor,) Mr. Vahagn Hovents (Bass,) Mrs. Heghine Asatrian (Soprano,) accompanied by Mrs. Armenouhi Derderian on the piano. Also, the Armenian Youth Association of California’s “Gomidas” choir performed during the event, under the direction of conductor Mr. Mikael Avetisyan.
At the conclusion of the event, Mr. Kirazian thanked the Prelate, Pastors and Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Armenian Church, and all those who spared no effort for the success of the event, then invited the Prelate to convey his heartfelt speech.
After highly commending the participants of the event, Bishop Donoyan stated; “Today we do not celebrate the memory of the Genocide victims with a traditional understanding, but with a qualitatively new approach.” Referring to the memory of the victims, the Prelate stressed; “We make a new covenant to walk the path that our elders, our victors, leaders of our people, Catholicoi and devoted children of our nation walked.” Concluding his remarks, the Prelate urged everyone to walk as unified Armenians, hand in hand, for the betterment and steadfastness of our nation and Artsakh, and dedicated this event to the 44-day victims of the Artsakh war and the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.
The event concluded with the singing of “Giligia” and the Armenian National Anthem.