The 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an Armenian Evangelical service Organized by the church pastors of the (UAECNE) in Beirut

On the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an Armenian Evangelical service of remembrance took place on the morning of April 24, 2024, at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Nor Marash. Organized by the church pastors of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE) in Beirut, the preacher was Pastor Joe Garabedian from the U.S. Additionally, the students of the Armenian Evangelical College and the Armenian Evangelical Secondary School (“Shamlian-Tatigian”) brought a freshness to the remembrance with their instrumental and vocal groups.

Using the words of Psalm 54, Rev. Jirair Ghazarian opened the service, responsively led the reading of “Faith’s Victory” (Heb. 11), and prayed that God’s presence would remain central to the service of remembrance. Following this, Rev. Hrayr Cholakian stressed the supremacy of faith in his biblical reading (Rom. 8.31-39). Thereafter the string ensemble (Henry Ishkhanian, instructor) performed “Adana Lament” and “Giligia” with beauty and sensitivity. Rev. Hovhannes Svadjian offered a heartfelt prayer, laying before God the sorrows of the Armenian nation, beseeching the Lord to illuminate the nation and lead it with his light. The student choir under the direction of Nectar Palazian, accompanied by Shogher Grboyan, tastefully and harmoniously sang “Tarer Antsan” (Centuries Have Passed) (Ayvazyan) and “Ov Araritch” (O Creator) (Torosian). During the service those present also joined together in singing hymns accompanied by Mrs. Silva Mncherian on piano.

The day’s speaker, Pastor Joe Garabedian, expressed his thoughts through the words of Psalm 13: “How long, O Lord, will my enemy exult over me?” Surveying the tragic realities of the past and present, he asked, “Who will come to our aid, if not God himself?” The bleached bones of those who fell during the Genocide testify that only God faithfully stands at our side, preserving a remnant and filling them with the hope that He will put an end to all evil and give what is due without partiality. Pastor Garabedian exhorted the congregation to always keep their eyes turned toward the Lord Jesus and walk in His light.

Following the message Rev. Raffi Messerlian invited those present to bring their generous offerings to the fund for the displaced people of Artsakh. After the singing of the “Hayr Mer” (Lord’s Prayer), Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, the Acting President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family, prayed that God keep the Armenian people in the path of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, whereafter the congregation was dismissed with the Apostolic Benediction.

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This news was originally publsihed on the Facebook Page of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East.