24th April commémoration in Wales!
24TH APRIL
1915-2015
Remembering the
Armenian Genocide 1915-2015
by Canon Patrick Thomas
published by Carreg Gwalch
Book launch on 24 April at the National Assembly, Wales
The government sanctioned extermination of over a million Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during the First World War is sometimes described as the ‘forgotten genocide’. For a variety of geopolitical and economic reasons
it was ignored by governments and air- brushed out of history books from the 1920s onwards. As a result it provided the blueprint for later atrocities.
It was no accident that in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, Adolf Hitler remarked “Who now remembers the annihilation of the Armenians?”
2015 is the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. In
this moving and powerful account of the suffering undergone by Turkish Armenians, Patrick Thomas draws on eye-witness material from a
wide variety of sources. He shows why it remains profoundly important to acknowledge and remember this first major genocide of the twentieth century. Recent events in the Middle East have underlined the threat of violent annihilation that still faces many vulnerable minorities there. The fate of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire provides a warning that should never be forgotten.
Patrick Thomas is the author of several books, including Carmarthen to Karabagh: a Welsh Discovery of Armenia. He has spent much of the past ten years studying Armenian history, culture and religion.
In 2013 he was designated ‘Honorary Pastor to Armenians in Wales’ by the Armenian Primate of Britain and Ireland. Dr Thomas is Vicar of Christ Church, Carmarthen, Canon Chancellor of St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, and a member of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission.
by Canon Patrick Thomas
published by Carreg Gwalch
Book launch on 24 April at the National Assembly, Wales
The government sanctioned extermination of over a million Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during the First World War is sometimes described as the ‘forgotten genocide’. For a variety of geopolitical and economic reasons
it was ignored by governments and air- brushed out of history books from the 1920s onwards. As a result it provided the blueprint for later atrocities.
It was no accident that in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, Adolf Hitler remarked “Who now remembers the annihilation of the Armenians?”
2015 is the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. In
this moving and powerful account of the suffering undergone by Turkish Armenians, Patrick Thomas draws on eye-witness material from a
wide variety of sources. He shows why it remains profoundly important to acknowledge and remember this first major genocide of the twentieth century. Recent events in the Middle East have underlined the threat of violent annihilation that still faces many vulnerable minorities there. The fate of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire provides a warning that should never be forgotten.
Patrick Thomas is the author of several books, including Carmarthen to Karabagh: a Welsh Discovery of Armenia. He has spent much of the past ten years studying Armenian history, culture and religion.
In 2013 he was designated ‘Honorary Pastor to Armenians in Wales’ by the Armenian Primate of Britain and Ireland. Dr Thomas is Vicar of Christ Church, Carmarthen, Canon Chancellor of St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, and a member of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission.
Friday 24th April 2015
The Centenary of the Armenian Genocide
The Centenary of the Armenian Genocide
11.00
Gardens of the Temple of Peace, Cathays Park CF10 3AP
Memorial Service & Prayers
A Prayer from the Commemoration Booklet of the Armenian Genocide as published by the Church In Wales will be recited by Canon Patrick Thomas in Welsh and in English by Rev. Dr. Nerses Vrej Nersessian.
The commemoration booklet specially written by Canon Patrick Thomas 2 years ago in recognition by
the Church In Wales of the 24th
April as Armenian Genocide Day
contains “The Collect”, Hymns & Prayers in Welsh & English.
The Prayers were jointly written by Canon Patrick and Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian.
There will be a flower laying ceremony immediately afterwards.
Gardens of the Temple of Peace, Cathays Park CF10 3AP
Memorial Service & Prayers
A Prayer from the Commemoration Booklet of the Armenian Genocide as published by the Church In Wales will be recited by Canon Patrick Thomas in Welsh and in English by Rev. Dr. Nerses Vrej Nersessian.
The commemoration booklet specially written by Canon Patrick Thomas 2 years ago in recognition by
the Church In Wales of the 24th
April as Armenian Genocide Day
contains “The Collect”, Hymns & Prayers in Welsh & English.
The Prayers were jointly written by Canon Patrick and Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian.
There will be a flower laying ceremony immediately afterwards.
13.00
National Assembly, Pier Head Building,
The Bay, Cardiff CF10 4PZ
“Remembering the Armenian Genocide 1915- 2015” Launch of the book written by Canon Patrick Thomas.
Light Refreshments will be served prior to the launch of the book on the Armenian genocide written by Canon Patrick Thomas.
13.30
The launch will begin with the reading of the “Collect” by Canon Patrick Thomas from the Commemoration Booklet of the Armenian Genocide as published by the Church In Wales.
A welcome speech by Mr. John Torosyan Chairman of the Parish Council Cardiff of the Armenian Apostolic Church & Mr. Eilian Williams.
Eilian needs no introductions. A real Welsh Shepherd in both life and deeds who for 15 years has campaigned for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Distinguished guests speakers from London & Wales will reflect on the Armenian genocide.
National Assembly, Pier Head Building,
The Bay, Cardiff CF10 4PZ
“Remembering the Armenian Genocide 1915- 2015” Launch of the book written by Canon Patrick Thomas.
Light Refreshments will be served prior to the launch of the book on the Armenian genocide written by Canon Patrick Thomas.
13.30
The launch will begin with the reading of the “Collect” by Canon Patrick Thomas from the Commemoration Booklet of the Armenian Genocide as published by the Church In Wales.
A welcome speech by Mr. John Torosyan Chairman of the Parish Council Cardiff of the Armenian Apostolic Church & Mr. Eilian Williams.
Eilian needs no introductions. A real Welsh Shepherd in both life and deeds who for 15 years has campaigned for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Distinguished guests speakers from London & Wales will reflect on the Armenian genocide.
Mrs. Ruth Barnett
We are honoured to have Ruth whose experiences will bring a unique insight. Ruth’s credentials can best be summarised in her own words.
“A proud British Subject, rescued as a child by the British Government in 1939 from the Nazi Genocide by coming to England on the Kindertransport”
“If the Ottoman Genocide had been acknowledged and brought to justice and closure after the end
of WW1 (as promised by the British & French governments) the Holocaust might and probably would have been preventable.”
We are honoured to have Ruth whose experiences will bring a unique insight. Ruth’s credentials can best be summarised in her own words.
“A proud British Subject, rescued as a child by the British Government in 1939 from the Nazi Genocide by coming to England on the Kindertransport”
“If the Ottoman Genocide had been acknowledged and brought to justice and closure after the end
of WW1 (as promised by the British & French governments) the Holocaust might and probably would have been preventable.”
Friday 24th April 2015
The Centenary of the Armenian Genocide
The Centenary of the Armenian Genocide
Rev. Dr. Nerses Vrej Nersessian
A Hidden Gem within the Armenian Church and Community - I was privileged to hear Rev. Dr. Nerses Nersessian give an outstanding speech recently that truly moved all those present.
By way of an introduction to those in the community who are not aware and who may know him by a different name, a short biography follows:
Rev. Dr. Nerses Vrej Nersessian (Vrej (revenge) was a very popular boy’s name among Armenians following
the Genocide). During his years of study at the Armenian College in Calcutta there were six students with the same name. At his ordination to the priesthood in 1983 he was given the name Nerses. (obviously revenge is not a very suitable name for a priest). After graduation from Kings College, University of London with the degrees
of Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy, he entered into the employment of the British Library in 1975 as Special Assistant in charge of the Armenian collections and rose to the position of Curator in Charge of the Christian Middle Section, a post he held until his retirement in 2011. The great exhibition ‘Treasures from the Ark 1700 years of Armenian Christian Art’ at the British Library was staged by him to mark the 1700 years of the conversion of Armenia to Christianity in 301AD, that is still fresh in our memories.
He was elevated to the rank of Archpriest in 1991
and honoured by the present Catholicos with the distinguished medal of Saint Nerses Shnorhali in 2012 for his services to the Armenian church and Armenian studies.
A short interlude where the significance of the official emblem of the centenary The Forget-Me-Not-Flower will be explained and metal badges with the emblem distributed.
Mr. Mike Joseph
Mike is not only a respected and dear friend but is also a writer, broadcaster and historian of genocide. He has been investigating Western recognition and denial of the Armenian genocide longer than I have known him.
He is a member of the International Network of Genocide Scholars, and Honorary Research Associate at Swansea University.
A Hidden Gem within the Armenian Church and Community - I was privileged to hear Rev. Dr. Nerses Nersessian give an outstanding speech recently that truly moved all those present.
By way of an introduction to those in the community who are not aware and who may know him by a different name, a short biography follows:
Rev. Dr. Nerses Vrej Nersessian (Vrej (revenge) was a very popular boy’s name among Armenians following
the Genocide). During his years of study at the Armenian College in Calcutta there were six students with the same name. At his ordination to the priesthood in 1983 he was given the name Nerses. (obviously revenge is not a very suitable name for a priest). After graduation from Kings College, University of London with the degrees
of Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy, he entered into the employment of the British Library in 1975 as Special Assistant in charge of the Armenian collections and rose to the position of Curator in Charge of the Christian Middle Section, a post he held until his retirement in 2011. The great exhibition ‘Treasures from the Ark 1700 years of Armenian Christian Art’ at the British Library was staged by him to mark the 1700 years of the conversion of Armenia to Christianity in 301AD, that is still fresh in our memories.
He was elevated to the rank of Archpriest in 1991
and honoured by the present Catholicos with the distinguished medal of Saint Nerses Shnorhali in 2012 for his services to the Armenian church and Armenian studies.
A short interlude where the significance of the official emblem of the centenary The Forget-Me-Not-Flower will be explained and metal badges with the emblem distributed.
Mr. Mike Joseph
Mike is not only a respected and dear friend but is also a writer, broadcaster and historian of genocide. He has been investigating Western recognition and denial of the Armenian genocide longer than I have known him.
He is a member of the International Network of Genocide Scholars, and Honorary Research Associate at Swansea University.
This will be Canon Patrick’s 2nd publication. He has
previously written a book “Carmarthen to Karabagh” A
Welsh discovery of Armenia.
Canon Patrick was also responsible for “The Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide booklet” by the Church In Wales which we have been using today.
Canon Patrick was the driving force within the Church In Wales to officially recognise the 24th April as Armenian Genocide Day.
Mr. Martin Shipton
We are once again very fortunate to have the Chief reporter at the Western Mail & Echo to conduct an interview with Canon Patrick on his new book.
Martin needs little introduction and I doubt there is anyone who has not read his recent article “Is it time to recognise genocide”
This will be the second occasion that Martin has interviewed Canon Patrick the first being at the launch of his first book Carmarthen to Karabagh.
15.10
There will be a brief interruption
John Torosyan will explain the events that took place in Etchmiadzin on 23rd April.
15.15
(19.15 Yerevan time)
The lighting of the 100 candles will symbolise the ringing of the Church bells that were rung on the
23rd April of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and those of the Great House of Cilicia that will resound simultaneously ringing 100 times commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Genocide at (19.15 Yerevan time) UK 15.15
We will then continue with the launch of the book titled
“Remembering the Armenian Genocide 1915-2015”
Canon Patrick will be delighted to sign dedicated messages on the day.
Light Refreshments Prayers
17.00
End
Canon Patrick was also responsible for “The Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide booklet” by the Church In Wales which we have been using today.
Canon Patrick was the driving force within the Church In Wales to officially recognise the 24th April as Armenian Genocide Day.
Mr. Martin Shipton
We are once again very fortunate to have the Chief reporter at the Western Mail & Echo to conduct an interview with Canon Patrick on his new book.
Martin needs little introduction and I doubt there is anyone who has not read his recent article “Is it time to recognise genocide”
This will be the second occasion that Martin has interviewed Canon Patrick the first being at the launch of his first book Carmarthen to Karabagh.
15.10
There will be a brief interruption
John Torosyan will explain the events that took place in Etchmiadzin on 23rd April.
15.15
(19.15 Yerevan time)
The lighting of the 100 candles will symbolise the ringing of the Church bells that were rung on the
23rd April of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and those of the Great House of Cilicia that will resound simultaneously ringing 100 times commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Genocide at (19.15 Yerevan time) UK 15.15
We will then continue with the launch of the book titled
“Remembering the Armenian Genocide 1915-2015”
Canon Patrick will be delighted to sign dedicated messages on the day.
Light Refreshments Prayers
17.00
End
The lecture he gave at Ararat Baptist Church titled
“States Lies & Genocide” still rings in my ears.
Canon Dr Patrick Thomas
Canon Dr Patrick Thomas
Canon Dr Patrick Thomas, Chancellor of St Davids
Cathedral and Honorary Pastor to Armenians in Wales,
author Remembering the Armenian Genocide 1915-
2015, to be published in April, will introduce his new book.
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The
The
FORGET-ME-NOT FLOWER
FORGET-ME-NOT FLOWER
Official emblem of the
100th Year of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide Official emblem of the 100th Year of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide
In anticipation of the milestone year of 2015, the Republic of Armenia
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issued the illustration at left as the official emblem of the worldwide
observance of the centennial year of the Armenian Genocide. The forget-
In anticipation of the milestone year of 2015, the Republic of Armenia
me-not flower expresses the theme of eternal remembrance, and is also
issued the illustration at left as the official emblem of the worldwide
meant to symbolically evoke the past, present, and future experiences
observance of the centennial year of the Armenian Genocide. The forget-
of the Armenian people. What follows is an explanation of the various
me-not flower expresses the theme of eternal remembrance, and is also
components making up the emblem:
meant to symbolically evoke the past, present, and future experiences
of the Armenian people. What follows is an explanation of the various
components making up the emblem:
THE PAST: The black center represents the sufferings of 1915,
and the dark aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.
THE PAST: The black center represents the sufferings of 1915,
and the dark aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.
THE PRESENT: The light purple petals represents the unity of Armenian communities across the world—all of whom stand together in this 100th year of remembrance. THE PRESENT: The light purple petals represents the unity of Armenian communities across the world—all of whom stand together in this 100th year of remembrance. THE FUTURE: The five petals represent the five continents where survivors of the Armenian Genocide found a new home.
The dark purple color is meant to recall the priestly vestments of
THE FUTURE: The five petals represent the five continents
the Armenian Church—which has been, is, and will remain at the
where survivors of the Armenian Genocide found a new home.
heart of the Armenian Christian identity.
The dark purple color is meant to recall the priestly vestments of
the Armenian Church—which has been, is, and will remain at the
heart of the Armenian Christian identity.
ETERNITY: The twelve trapezoids represent the twelve pillars
of the Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan, Armenia. The yellow color represents light, creativity, and hope. ETERNITY: The twelve trapezoids represent the twelve pillars of the Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan, Armenia. The yellow color represents light, creativity, and hope. Visit YouTube.com/EasterndDocese to view an animation of the forget-me-not emblem. |
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Visit YouTube.com/EasterndDocese to view an animation of the forget-me-not emblem.
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