- A commemorative mass for Armenian Genocide victims was held at Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris on April 21, 2025.
- The mass was organized by the Catholic Church of France and conducted according to Armenian rite.
- Armenian Ambassador to France, Armenian diplomatic staff, and diverse clergy participated.
- Representatives from diplomatic missions, French officials, and community members were present.
- The event was part of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide commemorations.
Paris Mass Honors Armenian Genocide Victims on 110th Anniversary – 2025
A traditional commemorative mass honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide was held at the historic Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris on April 21, 2025. The service, organized by the Catholic Church of France, was part of the series of events marking the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The mass brought together a wide array of attendees to remember the tragic events.
Mass Organized by Catholic Church of France, Conducted by Armenian Rite
The commemorative mass was specifically organized as a traditional liturgy by the Catholic Church of France. This highlights the solidarity and recognition extended by the French Catholic Church towards the Armenian people and the memory of the genocide victims. The service itself was conducted according to Armenian rite, incorporating the distinct liturgical traditions of the Armenian Church within the setting of the prominent Parisian church.
Diverse Clergy Participate in Solemn Service
The mass was presided over by His Eminence Bishop Yegya Yeghiayan, the Primate of the Armenian Catholic Diocese of France. He was joined by other religious leaders, demonstrating inter-church cooperation and unity in remembrance. Participating clergy included His Grace Bishop Grigor Khachatryan, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Diocese of France; Pastor Joel Mikaelian, Leader of the Armenian Evangelical Church of France; and Corepiscopos Emmanuel Thoua, a representative of the Catholic Church of France in Paris. Priests from sister churches also took part in the solemn service, reflecting a broad Christian solidarity.
Wide Representation Among Attendees
The commemorative mass saw significant participation from various spheres. The Armenian Ambassador to France, Arman Khachatryan, attended the service along with diplomatic staff from the Armenian Embassy. Representatives from diplomatic missions accredited in France were also present, signifying international acknowledgement of the event. French public and political figures were in attendance, as were representatives from French-Armenian community organizations, highlighting the engagement of both the host country and the diaspora.
Source: Armenian Embassy in France
French Faithful and Armenian Catholic Followers Present
The congregation included followers of the Armenian Catholic Church of France, for whom Saint-Sulpice served as the venue for this significant commemoration. Furthermore, hundreds of French faithful were reported to be in attendance. Their presence underscored the humanitarian nature of the commemoration and the shared human values that transcend ethnic and religious boundaries, uniting people in remembrance of past atrocities and a call for justice.
Saint-Sulpice Church as the Venue
Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris is a major ecclesiastical building and a notable landmark in the city. Its selection as the venue for this traditional mass underscores the importance placed on the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide by the organizing body and participating communities. Hosting the event in such a prominent location ensured visibility and provided a dignified setting for the act of remembrance.
Part of 110th Anniversary Commemorations
The mass on April 21, 2025, was explicitly held within the framework of events dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This places the Paris mass within a broader context of global commemorations occurring around this date, honoring the memory of the victims and raising awareness about the historical events of 1915.
Significance of the Commemorative Mass
A commemorative mass serves as a religious act of remembrance and prayer for the souls of the victims. Organized by the Catholic Church of France, with the participation of diverse Armenian and other Christian clergy, and attended by a wide range of officials and community members, the Saint-Sulpice mass represents a collective act of solidarity and a reaffirmation of historical truth. It highlights the enduring memory of the Armenian Genocide and the continued efforts by religious institutions and communities to keep this history alive and advocate for its recognition and condemnation.