This year marked the 11^th anniversary of the monstrous murder of editor of the Agos Armenian Weekly Hrant Dink, who was one of the notable intellectuals in Turkey. He was known for his daring statements, outspoken articles devoted to the most problematic political issues and his patriotism. During the past days and weeks, remembrance events, protests, Requiem Masses and prayers were held in several countries and in Armenian-populated cities.

As reported the press divan of the Armenian Diocese of Romania to Hayern Aysor, the Armenian community of Romania also held events. On January 28, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Romania, Bishop Tatev Hakobyan officiated a Holy Mass at the Holy Archangels Cathedral of Bucharest, after which a Requiem Mass was held for the soul of Hrant Dink to rest in peace. Among the attendees of the ceremony were Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Romania Sergey Minasyan, Consul Ashot Grigoryan, President of the Union of Armenians of Romania Varujan Vosganian, as well as members of diocesan and parochial councils and members of the local Armenian community.

His Holiness Tatev had chosen words from the Bible as an epigraph for his sermon. In his sermon, His Holiness highlighted once again the grandeur of Hrant Dink the intellectual, the journalist and the human being and the importance of the tremendous work that he did and particularly stated the following: “Time was incapable of healing the deep wound of the family and friends of Hrant Dink and all Armenians around the world. As a pioneer in telling the truth and overlooking all types of threats and assaults, Hrant Dink demanded that everyone recognize the Armenian Genocide and not be an accomplice to the Young Turks and the Ottoman authorities with their denialist positions. However, just like nearly 100 years ago, the authorities of modern-day Turkey chose another path to solve the problem, and that path was murder in order to silence a bright individual with progressive ideas. However, this political and ideological murder went against the Turkish authorities since it had a totally opposite impact and effect. Hrant Dink gained hundreds of thousands of supporters in Turkey and various corners of the globe, including several Turkish supporters of his ideas who are struggling to fulfill the dream of having a more democratic and civilized country.”

After the Requiem Mass, wreaths were laid in front of the cross-stone commemorating the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide in the garden of the church where RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Sergey Minasyan gave a speech and particularly stated the following: “Today, Hrant Dink is not only remembered, but also continues to give his supporters and followers strength. Hrant Dink was one of the bright individuals and fighters who fought for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, to make the historical truth known to the world and to establish justice. As an Armenian, Hrant Dink was fighting not only for the claims of the Armenian people, but also against all kinds of injustice and illegal acts, the violation of human rights and various acts of violence with the desire to make his voice heard in not only Turkey, but also abroad.”

At the end, His Holiness asked the Lord for the immortal soul of Hrant Dink to rest in peace and to protect the family, relatives and supporters of Hrant Dink.

Requiem Masses were also held at the St. Mary Church of Constanta (under the direction of pastor, Priest Oshakan Khachatryan) and other Armenian-populated parishes and cities.