A requiem service was held in Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of Montreal on Friday, December 7, 2012 to mark the 24th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit parts of Northern Armenia on December 7, 1988.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate who led the prayer service spoke about the dreadful event that sent shockwaves through the Armenian nation globally. He observed that this natural disaster became an extraordinary occasion for demonstrating national unity, when Armenians around the world hurried to assist their compatriots in need with a strong sense of national belonging. He also referred to the humanitarian assistance provided by the international community, which showed, he added, that regardless of color, ethnicity or religion, human beings remain true to one another and care for each other especially in time of need.
Diocese personnel, clergy and faithful attending the requiem service prayed for the souls of the victims, asking the Almighty to protect our nation and all of humanity from such disasters.
