The ten bells of Westminster Abbey tolled in memory of the innocent victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The bells rang out a solemn alarm, their chime honoring the canonization of the martyrs.

For the first time in the United Kingdom, an Ecumenical Service dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide was held. This unique event, organized by the Dean of Westminster Abbey, Dr. John Hall, with the assistance of the Armenian Ambassador, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, in England’s famous and iconic cathedral, brought together prominent public figures, diplomats, bishops, and prelates of the Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox churches, Armenians living in the United Kingdom, as well as representatives of Armenian communities from around the world. Guests of honor included the President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, Prince Charles (now the King), His Holiness Karekin II – Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Bishop of London and pastor to the Royal Family, the representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury His Eminence Lord Richard Chartres, Baroness Caroline Cox, and the Mayor of Westminster.

In the packed cathedral, the ceremony began with a church composition by Johann Sebastian Bach played on the organ, followed by a liturgy in the Armenian language. Opening the ceremony, the Dean of Westminster Abbey referred to the biblical parable of the brothers Cain and Abel: “When Cain killed his brother Abel, the Lord asked him, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ Cain answered, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ Then the Lord replied, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!’” Dr. John Hall drew a parallel between this parable and what happened 100 years ago to the Armenians—innocent victims of perpetrators whose hearts were filled with hatred. He read a prayer and concluded with the words: “Tonight we are here to honor the memory of the innocent Armenian victims from 100 years ago. Let us pray with a longing for peace, reconciliation, and respect among nations. And now, 100 years later, the blood of the innocent victims of the genocide cries out from the ground like an echo, heard as a distant roar.”

Following the reading of Hebrews 4:14-16 by the Reverend Professor Vernon White, and Mark 10:35-45 by His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan (serving the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland), His Eminence Richard Chartres delivered his sermon: “Today, we honor the memory of the martyrs of the Great Catastrophe of 1915 in the presence of their descendants. When A. Hitler wanted to justify his cruel cause, he said, ‘Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?’ hoping that crimes would be forgotten. To forget the martyrs is a betrayal. This service today, in the presence of the President of Armenia, is yet another contribution to the long-standing efforts toward recognizing the sufferings of the Armenian martyrs. It is a cry of recognition and solace. We cannot change the past, but we are responsible for how we remember it. And to remember is a duty!”
The Bishop continued with a fascinating historical fact: “In 1269, when Westminster Abbey was consecrated, Leo II became King of Armenia, and he maintained good relations with the King of England. The contribution of Armenian architectural experts to castle building is indisputable, as it is in military engineering, and this is visible here. The presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (now the King of the United Kingdom), alongside our distinguished guests from Armenia, holds great promise for restoring and deepening our ancient ties through the hallowing of the memory of the martyrs, dedicated to the cause of international peace and harmony. Tonight, we salute the efforts of the Armenian Church and the Armenian people themselves to secure just recognition for the sufferings of the past. Anyone who pays tribute to Armenian history is grateful for the courage of people like Hrant Dink, whose passing unleashed a flood of memories. This ancient nation, which settled the lands of the Anatolian plateau millennia ago, has demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness in maintaining Armenian culture and identity, despite the onslaughts and threats of conquerors and entire empires. At our solemn commemoration in memory of the holy martyrs—those who died innocent in 1915—I firmly believe that Armenians are preparing themselves for great future Armenian centuries.”
Bishop Chartres did not fail to note the personal tragedy of the composer Komitas (Gomidas), whose collection of works represents a major contribution to organ music, and whose poetry calls on us not only to remember but also to look toward the light. He concluded with the wish: “May the souls of the holy martyrs rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Prayers were also read by the Reverend Christopher Scholz; John Whittingdale (Member of Parliament, appointed by the Queen to the Order of the British Empire and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport); Shakeh M. Chelidonian (a descendant of survivors from Cilicia); Elen Adamyan (a relative of survivors from Mush and Sasun); and His Excellency Dr. Armen Sarkissian – Ambassador of Armenia (former Prime Minister 1996-1997) and grandson of survivors from Erzurum and Alashkert.

A speech by Karekin II followed, in which he noted: “It is a profound spiritual comfort for us that through this collective prayer and service at Westminster Abbey, we honor the memory of our fallen ancestors, praying for the hallowing and canonization of the martyrs, as well as for peace and the defense of humanity. With the blessing of the Lord, may the good relations and joint efforts between our two countries and peoples grow stronger and be fruitful.”
In the lively gathering that followed the service beneath the peeling of the bells, people greeted and conversed with the high-ranking clergy, official dignitaries, and guests from various countries. Inside the consecrated cathedral and out into the streets, the collective prayer for recognition and awakening resonated.


















