The Armenian-American community gathered in Washington, DC, earlier in May for the national observance of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Special events were held May 7 to 9—including an ecumenical prayer service at the National Cathedral, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a memorial concert, and an awards banquet honoring those who helped the survivors.

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, both led the Washington commemoration. They were joined by Armenians from across the U.S., under the auspices of the Eastern and Western Dioceses, and the Eastern and Western Prelacies.

At the National Cathedral, one of America’s most distinguished religious sanctuaries, more than 2,500 people gathered for the Ecumenical Prayer Service for Justice and Peace. His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I presided over the historic service, which was sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Church of Christ in the U.S.A.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan led the roster of dignitaries present, which also included the leader of the worldwide Syriac Orthodox Church, His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East; Cardinal Emeritus McCarrick of the Roman Catholic Church; Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Church; U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power; and U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff. Click here to read about the prayer service.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the video feed from the Ecumenical Prayer Service.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the Pontifical Divine Liturgy online.

PHOTOS: Click on the following links to view photos of the ecumenical prayer service, the Pontifical Divine Liturgy, and awards banquet.

Click here to read about the May 8 memorial concert, and visit www.armenianchurch-ed.net, for more updates in the coming week.