London church commemorates Armenian Genocide centennial

YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: One of the first modern genocides has been commemorated at a church to mark the 100th anniversary, Armenpress reports, citing the website Ilford Recorder. The 100-strong congregation at St Mary’s Church, in High Road, South Woodford, was made up from people from across London – with around 30 per cent being Armenian – on Saturday.

Rev Santou Beurklian-Carter led the service which featured guest speakers, Armenian music and food.

It is believed the Ottoman Empire systematically exterminated between 1 and 1.5 million of its minority Armenian population in 1915.

They were killed or died of starvation.

She said: “[The genocide] is not fully recognized by the international community as something that happened.

“The fact that more and more countries are now acknowledging it is really important.

“I wanted the service to be an opportunity for people to mourn their loved ones.”

Rev Beurklian-Carter added she was “jealous” of people being able to trace back their family histories beyond 100 years.

Turkey has resisted calls for it to recognize the genocide.