Beirut, Lebanon

On Sunday, the 22nd of April, 2007, the St.Elie _St.Gregory the Illuminator church youth commemorated the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide through Solemn Mass and a lecture.

The Solemn Mass for the victims of the Armenian Genocide was held by the Eparchy Assistant Bishop Msgr. Hovhannes Teyrouzian followed by memorial sevice for the souls of the martyrs.

After the memorial service, the parish priest of St.Elie church Father Kevork Asadourian gave the opening speech encouraging the youth to remain bound to their nation and their church.

Raffi Hovhannesian gave a speech in Armenian warning the youth from a new “April 24”.

The main spokesperson of the day was Vera Yakoubian, the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee in the Middle East. Mrs. Yakoubian gave her speech in Arabic. She mentioned about the violence during the genocide and its consequences. She concentrated on the efforts done for the Armenian Cause during the last 15 years, emphasizing on the Armenia-Turkey relations. What was surprising that Mrs. Yakoubian mentioned at the end of her speech that at present times there are more than 2 million Armenians living in Turkey  that have converted to Muslims.

An artistic program was prepared for this occasion as well. Rita Kroumlian with deep sentiments sang “Maloyan Yeraneli” and Vanessa Haddad, Hagop Jizmejian and Salim Hammal recited poetry.