Commemoration Ceremonies of the Armenian Genocide were held at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna and in Bratislava at Khachkar memorial

On April 24, a commemorative ceremony marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, featuring a concert program in the style of a jazz requiem entitled "Prayer Wheel". Performances were delivered by the Vienna Philharmonic Choir and students of the Salzburg Music Gymnasium, under the direction of Austrian-Armenian composer Karen Asatryan.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Andranik Hovhannisyan, Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, Patriarchal Delegate of the Armenian Apostolic Church for Central Europe and Scandinavia, and Metropolitan Archbishop of Vienna Josef Grünwidl.

In his address, Ambassador Hovhannisyan noted that 1.5 million Armenians were killed solely for their identity. He expressed gratitude to all countries, including Austria, that provided refuge and shelter to survivors of the Genocide.

Ambassador Hovhannisyan praised the high attendance at the ceremony as a symbol of unity against the scourge of genocide, solidarity in preserving historical memory, and commitment to the promotion of human dignity. He also underscored Armenia's ongoing contribution to international efforts aimed at preventing mass atrocities.

Ambassador Hovhannisyan further emphasized that the Republic of Armenia is building its sovereign future based on a peace agenda, grounded in the establishment of good-neighborly relations in our region.

The concert took place in a full cathedral. Among those in attendance were representatives of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria and other state institutions, members of Parliament and Vienna's municipal authorities, ambassadors, high-ranking clergy, representatives of the Armenian community, and numerous guests.

On the same day, on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Ambassador Hovhannisyan and the embassy staff laid wreath at the monument to Franz Werfel located at Schillerplatz in Vienna.

Commemorative event was also held in Bratislava at the khachkar memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Remarks were delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan and the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Slovakia, Bagrat Hakobyan. The event was attended by representatives of the Armenian community in Slovakia.