Each year on the eve of April 24, spiritual leaders, clergy, and faithful from the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches come together for Divine Liturgy and Requiem in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
This year’s joint Liturgy and requiem was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the sermon was delivered by H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. The Prelate also delivered his remarks on this occasion, as well as H.G. Bishop Mikael Mouradian, Eparch of the Catholic Church, and Rev. Joe Matossian, Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union.
In his message, the Prelate noted that Divine Liturgy was being offered as a tribute to the memory our martyrs, and that we must remember and honor their sacrifice for our faith and nation every day of the year. They gave their lives to ensure the continuity of the Armenian people and identity. Citing the April 24 message of H.H. Catholicos Aram I demanding recognition and reparation from Turkey, the Prelate concluded by stating that the Armenian Apostolic Church and people are united in our pursuit for our rights.
Requiem service and laying of flowers at the memorial cross-stone followed the Liturgy in the Cathedral courtyard.
