On Saturday 9 May, the Holy Liturgy commemorating the 100^th Anniversary of the Genocide was celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington D.C. in the presence of over two thousand Armenians and guests.

His Holiness Karekin II celebrated the liturgy, assisted by Archbishops Moushegh Mardirossian and Hovnan Derderian of the Western Prelacies of the USA. His Holiness Aram I delivered the sermon in both Armenian and English.

Catholicos Aram I spoke of the importance of Christian faith. He said, “Through faith we live the Christ in us, turn to God and build heaven on earth. Throughout history the Christian faith shaped our Armenian identity and empowered us to overcome all attempts to destroy us in the battles of Vartanants, Sardarabad and Karabagh.” Based on this self-understanding of faith and nation, Catholicos Aram I invited all Armenians to continue demanding justice for the victims of the Genocide and the restitution of properties confiscated by the Ottoman authorities during the 1915 Armenian Genocide and deportation.