Flora Martirosyan Laid to Rest

YEREVAN—Thousands gathered on Tuesday at the Aram Khachatrian Concert Hall to pay homage to and bid farewell to beloved singer Flora Martirosyan, who died last month after complications from a surgery in Los Angeles.

Among the many dignitaries attending the funeral service were President Serzh and First Lady Rita Sarkisian.

Armenia’s Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosyan said Flora Martirosyan can serve as a good example of professionalism for our generations. ”She had an invaluable role in almost all aspects of cultural life.”

Artist Thomas Poghosyan said tha tMartirosyan has left a rich legacy to the Armenian nation. “Flora’s songs are saturated with light and complexity of human virtue.

Martirosyan’s remains arrived in Armenia Sunday. After the funeral services at the Khachatrian Hall, she was interred at the National Pantheon in Yerevan.

The Requiem service for Matirosyan was held on December 6 at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. A capacity crowd filled the spiritual center of the Western Diocese and a crowd of 2,000 people had gathered outside to bid farewell to the legendary singer.

Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over service.

The Primate reflected on the loss of one of the “jewels” of Armenian music. He remembered Martirosyan’s love for her family, her passion for music and her active role in raising Armenian Genocide awareness as founder of Artists for Peace, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, awareness and prevention of crimes against humanity.

“Flora Martirosyan was one of the most-respected artists in modern Armenian music. Her unique voice touched the hearts of All Armenians in Armenia and the Diaspora. Tonight, we bid farewell to her. However, her legacy and most beautiful voice will forever echo in the heart of the Armenian nation,” said Derderian.

The service was also attended by US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern, Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Grigor Hovhanesyan and other community leaders.

“Your presence here at the Requiem Service at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral brings much spiritual comfort to our faithful. You bring with you your love and respect not only for a renewed artist of the Armenian nation but above all your respect and admiration for the Armenian culture and heritage,” stated Archbishop Derderian addressing Heffern.