On November 5 the opening ceremony of a khachkar dedicated to the Armenian Genocide centennial took place at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke, Lebanon, sponsored by Syriac Maronite Church of Antioch and Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, head of the Maronite Church Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, according to Aniarc.am. A Christian gathering attended by leaders and representatives of Lebanon’s Christian communities followed the khachkar installment.
Bkerke is the ‘Vatican’ of the Middle East; it’s the regional center of the Catholic Church.
The event was attended by Cardinal Bechara al-Rahi, Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, state and military figures, spiritual leaders, representatives of parties, Lebanese and Diaspora Armenian intellectuals and a large crowd.
The first speech was delivered by Julie Kheir Alla-Boudakian, the wife of Sarkis Boudakian, the project initiator. In her speech in Arabic, she stressed the importance of Armenian-Lebanese friendly relations and indicated that due to their hard work Armenian Genocide survivors sheltered in Lebanon greatly contributed to the growth and development of the country.
During his speech, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch Bechara al-Rahi said the khachkar symbolized belief and patriotism. Al-Rahi noted that the Armenian nation was famous in Lebanon for being devoted and honest citizens who spared no efforts for the development of the country. He also added that through their hard work and courage, Armenians were able to restore their state, the Republic of Armenia. Al-Rahi thanked benefactor Sargis Boudakian and his family for carrying out the installation of the khachkar.
