A Memorial Service Held at the Mother See for Victims of Beirut Explosion

On August 9, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Holy See of Holy Etchmiadzin at the St. Trdat open altar. This was reported by the Information System of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The celebrant was the director of the Museums and Archives of the Mother See, the Honourable Father Asoghik Karapetyan. Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was conducted under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, for the victims of the powerful explosion that occurred on August 4 in the capital of Lebanon, Beirut.

Among those present at the Divine Liturgy and the memorial service were the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Lebanon to Armenia, Ms. Maya Dagher, member of the Central Administrative Council of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Mr. Vazgen Hakobyan, national benefactor Mr. Gabriel Chamberjian, and Lebanese Armenians.

The clergy and the congregation raised prayers to God for the rest of the souls of the victims of the Beirut explosion, led by the Armenian Patriarch.

Before the memorial service, the Catholicos of All Armenians addressed the attendees with words of condolence regarding the tragic event. His Holiness particularly said: “Dear faithful children, today we raise our prayers for the Lebanese people, who are in sorrow and trials due to the disastrous explosion that occurred in Beirut. We beseech the Heavenly One to grant them strength to overcome the pain of their losses and the heavy consequences of the devastation.”

“With heartfelt feelings, we ask the Kind Lord to grant peace and rest to the souls of the killed, including our compatriots, to comfort the hearts of their relatives and all mourners, and to provide swift recovery to the thousands who were wounded,” he continued.

Lebanon has always been a friendly country, where thousands of our people, having escaped the genocide, found support and assistance. Thanks to the goodwill and brotherly spirit of the Arab people, the Armenian refugees established their national and spiritual life in Lebanon, founded schools, places of worship, and cultural institutions.

In a favorable environment of peaceful coexistence, Lebanese Armenians have made significant contributions to the political, economic, and cultural life of Lebanon as full citizens alongside their Muslim and Christian brothers. The relationships between our two nations and countries have always been characterized by friendship and fruitful cooperation.

Today, Lebanon needs the support of states and peoples. Our country is also providing its assistance to the people of Lebanon during these days. The entire Armenian community stands in solidarity with Lebanon and supports it in this trial.

In connection with this tragic disaster, we again extend our condolences to the esteemed President of Lebanon, the state council, and the people, to our spiritual brother, His Holiness Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia, to the Armenian community, and particularly our heartfelt condolences to the families of the Armenian victims.

We believe that the benevolent people of Lebanon, who have overcome many trials in their history, can emerge from these challenges and difficulties with their resilience and spirit of unity.

Dear ones, on this occasion, we urge our scattered children and our dioceses to show their support to the Lebanese Armenian community, helping them reconstruct the horrific damages and devastation caused by the explosion during this difficult time.

May the Almighty Lord bless the friendly people of Lebanon, help them remain strong and steadfast in this difficult time, and lead them out of these trials and restore the path of a creative and secure life. May the Almighty God grant peace and prosperity to the world and humanity, and to our homeland today and always. Amen.”