VATICAN CITY (Armenpress)—The Divine Liturgy dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in St. Peter Cathedral has a historic significance. This is the first time that the Pope will serve Holy Liturgy commemorating the Genocide. Although there have been prayers for the souls of the various victims of genocides, Divine Liturgy has never been served. It is noteworthy that the liturgy is initiated by Pope Francis himself.
Despite pressure from the Turkish government to prevent the liturgy from taking place, the liturgy is not only to be served, but to be broadcast live. Pope Francis has written his sermon and it is anticipated that after Holy Liturgy he will approach the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sarkisian, who will be in attendance.
The Ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See Mikael Minasyan told journalists, who have arrived in Rome ahead of the Mass, that at the end of the Mass, it is planned that the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and the Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I will make remarks.
“The Divine Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica is unprecedented in many respects, Minasyan said. “Besides the aforesaid, it is also important to separate, that Armenian ceremony of souls will be held. The Mass is devoted to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, but it will be served for all the Armenians worldwide.” It is anticipated that Armenian community representatives from around the globe will be in attendance.
Armenians of Ottoman Turkey paid the price of Christianity, and all civilized European countries and Vatican, are fully aware of that!
God bless Pope Francis and our Catholic brothers and sisters.