On the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the World Council of Churches joins Armenians around the world, and especially the Armenian Apostolic Church, in solemn remembrance and prayer.
We mourn the lives lost, the communities destroyed, and the enduring pain carried across generations. This commemoration is not only an act of memory, but also a call to conscience, reminding the global community of the urgent responsibility to uphold human dignity, truth, and justice.
In this spirit, we also recall with deep concern the forced displacement and suffering of Armenians from Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, which resulted in the mass exodus of an entire population from their ancestral homeland. The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with all those affected, lifting prayers for healing, protection, and the restoration of rights and dignity.
At the same time, we welcome ongoing efforts toward dialogue and peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We emphasize that a just and lasting peace must be grounded in full respect for international law, including the right of displaced people to return safely and with dignity, the protection of religious and cultural heritage, and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights. We also call for the release of all remaining prisoners held in Azerbaijan. Peace must be built on justice, truth, and accountability to be sustainable.
In this time of remembrance, the World Council of Churches reaffirms its commitment to walk alongside the Armenian people and its member church, bearing witness to their suffering and hope. We pray for reconciliation, for truth to prevail, and for a future where such tragedies are never repeated.
Prayer
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice;
let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplication.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope.” (cf. Psalm 130)
May God grant peace, justice, and comfort to all.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
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