Fresno Armenian leaders praise Pope Francis' acknowledgment of genocide

The Fresno Bee ^ | 4-12-15 | Rory Appleton

[afraidfortherepublic]

Pope Francis’ remarks urging the world to recognize the slaughter of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks a century ago as “the first genocide of the 20th century” drew unanimous praise Sunday from several prominent leaders of Fresno’s Armenian community.

“Today’s papal remarks speak from our heart in not only advocating for Armenians but also recognizing that atrocities like genocide remain a point of concern,” said Berj Apkarian, who was named an Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in October.

“Denial of the Armenian genocide is the foundation for current and future genocides,” Apkarian added. “Genocide is continuing in the Middle East. Unless the world says this is unacceptable, this will continue to be a tragic chapter in history.”

April 24 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the genocide. By its end in 1923, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians — two-thirds of the population — were dead, many children left orphans.

Apkarian, who is also a deacon at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in downtown Fresno, said the Pope’s statements were mentioned during Holy Trinity’s morning service and were probably echoed throughout the Armenian spiritual community.

Rob Saroyan, a leader of the Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation and distant relation of author William Saroyan, said the impact of the Pope’s statements goes far beyond the Armenian community.

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Saroyan added: “The way people are suffering today for their belief and faith in Christ — it reminds me of the stories I heard growing up.”

[afraidfortherepublic]

Marchers remembering Armenians massacred earlier in the century walk towards City Hall up the Mariposa Mall.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Anyone who wants to read a recent novel about the Armenian genocide should check out “The Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bojhalian.

[JoyjoyfromNJ]

The following book is an excellent memoir by a grandson of survivors who only gradually learned of his family’s history: Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian

I believe there is a quote by Hitler early in WWII to the effective that since the world didn’t care about the genocide of the Armenians, the world wouldn’t care about the Jews.

[afraidfortherepublic]

I’ll have to look for that book. I grew up in Fresno with many Armenian classmates (2nd generation). They did not discuss the genocide with outsiders at that time. Too personal, I guess. They were still trying to fit in (and we were interested in WWII which was more immediate.)