On April 24, 2014, an Armenian Genocide Memorial like no other in Europe was opened near the Armenian Apostolic Church in Almelo.

In spite of the Turks’ scandal, resistance and threats, the opening ceremony and blessing of the memorial complex was held at a high level.

The event began with opening remarks by President of the council of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church Onnik Geliji.

Among speakers was Father, Bishop Arshak Khachatryan, who is also the representative of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos, as well as RA Ambassador to the Netherlands Dzyunik Aghajanyan, who read the message of RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan.

Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Europe Kaspar Garabedian also delivered a speech.

On behalf of Yerevan Municipality, Head of the Department of International Relations of Yerevan Municipality David Gevorgyan gave a speech and laid a wreath.

Among other speakers were Member of the Parliament of the Netherlands and permanent member for European Foreign Affairs Harry Van Bomel, member of the Democratic Party, the European Parliament Peter Omtzicht, Member of Parliament, member of the Christian Union Party Yul Vordevild.

Member of the NIOD Organization, genocide scholar Anthony Holslach also gave a speech.

The event included poems and songs performed by students of St. Mesrop Mashtots Armenian Sunday School of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Geghard Choir and several other performers.

The event ended with a closing speech by Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of the Netherlands Massis Abrahamyan, who expressed his and everyone’ s deep gratitude to benefactor Christian Geliji, who helped and participated in the construction of this memorial complex built from tuff in the Netherlands.

Manuk Mkrtchyan

Almelo