Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See: The Turkish government’s efforts proved to be fruitless

The forthcoming liturgy at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican in observance of the memory of Armenian Genocide centennial has historical significance. It will be the first time that the Pope holds a holy mass with a reference to the Armenian Genocide. So far there were prayers for the souls of the victims of genocides, but a liturgy had never been held. 

It’s quite telling that the Pope Francis has personally arranged for the service.

The pressure onto the Pope and the Holy See had indeed been paramount in preceding months. The Turkish government had tried to derail the service in every ways they could, yet their efforts proved to be fruitless. The liturgy will not only be held, but also be broadcast online. Pope Francis has already prepared the sermon, and he is anticipated to approach the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan after the holy mass (usually, Pope exits the Cathedral after the liturgy is served).

Presenting the details in the run up to the historical event to the journalists in Rome, the Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See Mikayel Minasyan highlighted that after the religious service His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, are scheduled to make speeches as well.

«This liturgy in the St. Peter’s Cathedral is unprecedented in a few ways. On top of everything else, it is crucial to single out that a commemorative religious ritual will be held according to Armenian liturgical tradition. The liturgy is devoted to the commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, but the service will be honoring all Armenians scattered around the world», – Ambassador Mikayel Minasyan was quoted as saying according to «Armenpress» news agency.

Delegations of Armenian communities from various continents and countries will be present at the ceremony. At the end of the holy mass, St Gregory of Narek (Grigor Narekatsi) will be acknowledged as Doctor of the Church in a special religious ceremony.

«The formula will be voiced in Latin, and Narekatsi will be declared as Doctor of the Church», – Ambassador Minasyan told the journalists.

Prior to the holy mass, another memorable event is scheduled: an authentic copy of one of the most magnificent cross-stones from Old Jugha will decorate the yard of the St Gregory the Illuminator Church in Italian city of Naples. The cross-stone was carved for one and a half year, and now fully embraces the cultural value and the heritage that the Azerbaijanis destroyed in Armenian Old Jugha.

The memorial will be consecrated by the Surpreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Archbishop of Napoli Cardinal Sepe.