Each year in April, activists from across California join the Armenian National Committee – Western Region and the California State Legislature to commemorate the Armenian Genocide at the State Capitol. This year’s Advocacy Day was held on Monday, April 15, 2013.
The day began with activists visiting offices of legislators to advocate issues of interest to the Armenian-American community. The 98th anniversary of the Genocide was commemorated in the afternoon in the State Senate Chambers. The session officially opened with the invocation delivered by the Prelate. His Eminence was joined by Pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Fresno Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian.
The Prelate began the invocation by offering thanks and praise to Almighty God for granting the day to join our friends within the California State Legislature to collectively commemorate the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Below is the text of the Prelate’s invocation:
We offer to You our thanks and praise for granting us this day to join our dear friends within the California State Legislature to collectively commemorate the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
As we somberly remember the one and a half million victims who in 1915 were martyred for our faith and nation, we remember also all the innocent lives lost in similar atrocities throughout history. Today, we also renew our commitment and duty to continue our mission to raise awareness and bring acknowledgement to our history. With our united efforts, unwavering resolve, and the strength of our voices and prayers, we can be certain that justice will prevail and the souls of our martyrs can only then truly rest in peace.
We thank our elected officials for faithfully and courageously standing by our side in our common cause of human rights, dignity, and justice for all mankind, and for taking this time each year to pay homage to the sacred memory of our martyrs. May You bless them with many years of health and continued success in their meritorious service to the prosperity of this great state we are proud to call home.
Lord, as we approach the Armenian Genocide centennial, more than ever we are in need of Your divine guidance. Grant us the vigor to continue on our path undeterred, and the strength to overcome obstacles and accomplish our ultimate goals. Grant wisdom to the world leaders and to us all so that we may at all times think, speak, and do that which is good and just in Your eyes. Save us from evil thoughts, words, and deeds; and have mercy upon us all.
We thank You for Your abundant blessings and gifts of love and mercy.
May the souls of our faithful departed, through Your mercy, rest in peace. Amen.
The day’s events were highlighted by the passage of two Armenian Genocide resolutions. Assembly Members Katcho Achadjian and Adrin Nazarian introduced and ushered passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 2 which recognized the Armenian Genocide, designated April 15-19, 2013 as a “Week of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923”, and calls on Congress and the President of the United States to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide.
In a touching tribute to the Prelate’s mother, Diramayr Marie Mardirossian, who passed away four years ago to the day, the Senate session adjourned in her memory. On behalf of the State Senate, Senator Kevin de Leon presented the Prelate with a certificate of recognition expressing sympathy on the loss of Diramayr.
A reception followed hosted by California Assembly Members Katcho Achadjian, Adrin Nazarian, and State Senator Kevin de Leon.
