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A ceremony to install and consecrate an Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) was held in the courtyard of Saint-Gilles Church in Liège, Belgium, on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The cross-stone is dedicated to the memory of innocent Armenian victims, Armenpress’s Brussels correspondent reported.
The rite of consecration and blessing of the khachkar was performed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Pontifical Legate of Western Europe. The ceremony was also attended by Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Beskisizian, pastor of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Liège and surrounding areas.
The event was attended by Jean-Pierre Delville, Bishop of Liège, Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia to Belgium, as well as Armenian and Belgian guests.
In his speech, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian spoke about the symbolism of the khachkar and the importance of preserving the memory of the Armenian victims, noting that through its symbolism, the khachkar conveys a message to Armenians, wherever they may be, to remain faithful to their roots.
The initiative to install the khachkar was launched and sponsored by Mushegh Musheghyan, a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors from Mush. In his speech, he spoke about the personal and national significance of the initiative.
“I want this khachkar to be not only a place commemorating the pain of the past, but also a place of prayer for a peaceful future,” Mushegh Musheghyan said.
According to him, the khachkar erected in Liège should become not only a place for preserving memory but also a symbol of a peaceful future. The initiative brings together historical memory and faith in the future, emphasizing the importance of passing national memory from one generation to another.
A cultural program was also held as part of the event, featuring Armenian traditional music and dance.
The cultural program also provided another opportunity to showcase and pass on Armenian national heritage to younger generations, in keeping with the significance of the commemorative ceremony.