The Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada took part in the commemoration of the holy martyrs who sacrificed their lives for faith and country during the Armenian Genocide last Friday.
The Romanian hierarch attended the event at the invitation of Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada.
The event, marking the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, was held at Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral in Ottawa. Prayers, hymns, and special chants were offered in remembrance.
“The deep tragedy endured by the Armenian people reminds us all that such suffering can occur anywhere, at any time,” wrote the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada in a message to Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan.
“We live in a world already burdened by hardship. Without Christian vigilance, the cultivation of virtue, a life of prayer, and an authentic pursuit of justice, peace, truth, dignity, unity, and love, we will not be able to build a society that aligns with God’s divine plan,” emphasized Bishop Ioan Casian.
Other participants in the memorial service included the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa–Cornwall, Marcel Damphousse (host of the event), Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu, and Her Excellency Anahit Harutyunyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Photo: Diocese of Canada
