The Pope of the Armenian Apostolic Church is in Rhode Island Saturday. The visit comes on the centennial of the killing and deportation of more than one million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire.
When he stops in Providence, the leader of the international Armenian church, Pope Aram I, will visit the memorial to what many historians call the Armenian Genocide, at the North Burial Ground. He’ll also take part in a church service.
Father Gomidas Baghsarian, priest at Sts. Vartanantz Church, said the visit is a big honor.
“This is special because of the occasion, because of the centennial,” said Baghsarian. “And two: it’s so wonderful to receive his blessings, where all the people in attendance will have the opportunity to go up to him and greet him.”
The last time Pope Aram I visited Providence was about 15 years ago; this visit comes at the end of a month long visit to the United States. The Armenian Church has long been a presence in Rhode Island; the first clergy and services were established in the late 1800s.
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