Armenian Prelacy of Canada Issues Official Statement and Churches Hold Requiem Service for Hrant Dink

 

In light of the tragic murder of Hrant Dink, Armenian Prelacy of Canada churches held requiem services across Canada after Divine Liturgy in memory of the internationally respected intellectual and leading journalist on January 21, 2007.

 

His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate, presided over the requiem service in Montreal at Sourp Hagop Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, which was attended by more than 500 people, including multi-level Canadian politicians.

 

The Armenian Prelacy of Canada also issued an official statement, denouncing the murder of Dink, editor of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian newspaper “Agos” and an avid supporter of human rights and freedom of speech, as a contemptible crime.

 

“Dink was openly criticized, taken to court and was even imprisoned by the Turkish government for courageously publishing facts about and defending the Armenian Genocide.

 

“This vile crime further establishes that nothing has changed in post-Genocide Turkey, where murderous instincts continue even today.

 

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the relatives of the deceased, on behalf of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada’s Prelate, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelacy Executive and Religious Councils, Prelacy Armenian Education Council, and the faithful children of the Armenian Apostolic Church.”