LOS ANGELES–Hundreds of community members flocked the St. Garabad Armenian church in Hollywood Monday evening for a special commemorative gathering and requiem services marking the 10th anniversary of the Armenian earthquake. The gathering was organized by the dean and board of trustees of the church and was held under the auspices of Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian.
Throughout the day–hundreds of parishioners also went to area churches to deliver their prayers on this solemn occasion.
The Monday evening program–headed by the Prelate and all clerics–observed a moment of silence in memory of the more than 25,000 victims who perished during the earthquake. The audience remained standing for the recitation of "A Moment of Silence" by poet Jack S. Hagopian.
St. Garabed dean Rev. Vazken Atmadjian commenced the program by welcoming the parishioners to the church and invited the church choir–under the direction of Maestro Prof. Ara Manash for a memorial concert featuring divine liturgy and other religious and national songs.
Hagopian came on stage and recited a presentation which compiled writings from 10 years ago regarding the earthquake–presenting an emotional retrospective look at the tragedy which rocked Armenia.
In his blessing remarks–Bishop Mardirossian commended the choir and the speaker for their moving presentations.
The Prelate urged the community to cease the mourning and by coming together rebuild the earthquake zone in Armenia.
"There still remain numerous construction projects and expectations for financial contributions. But–in the next five years–all those projects must be completed through our collective efforts and involvement," said the Prelate Bishop Mardirossian.
At the conclusion–a requiem Mass was said commemorating the more that 25,000 victims of the earthquake.