On the 110th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide: What Does this Flower Symbolize?

Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

A violet flower... a flower that carries many meanings and symbols... it connects the past with the present and calls for hope in the future. A flower that tells the stories of people who have suffered tragedies and wars, and whose wound still bleeds today. It is the flower that symbolizes the Armenian cause and affirms the resilience of the Armenian people. These people, who have clung to their history and heritage, held tight to their identity, and decided to endure and survive, are known for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and hardships.

On the 110th annual commemoration of the Armenian genocide on April 24th, it is important to recall the historic significance of this violet flower, which was launched in 2015 as the emblem of the centennial commemoration (1915-2015) of the Armenian Genocide. It is a symbol to confirm that the Armenians are alive in their cause that cannot be forgotten and to consolidate their belief that justice is not lost. The flower is often accompanied by the phrase "I remember... and I demand," translated into many languages. So, what do its components symbolize, and what do its colors represent?

In fact, the flower has five petals, which represent the continents where Armenians fled and spread after the massacres. The primary color of the emblem, dark violet, symbolizes eternity as well as the Armenian soul and identity, meaning the future. This color was chosen due to its use in the majority of Priestly Vestment in the Armenian Church.

The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Writes a Message of Condolence in the Condolence Book at the Holy See in Harissa

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs extended his condolences on behalf of the Council's General Secretariat team at the Apostolic Nunciature in Harissa.

The MECC delegation included the Associate Secretary General Father Nicolas Bustros, and the Media Officer and the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations at MECC Lea Adel Maamary.

Firstly, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs assured the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Borgia that “His Holiness Pope Francis has left an unforgettable legacy, and his path is full of openness, justice, humanity, and mercy."

Professor Michel Abs then wrote a message of condolence in the condolences book of the Holy See - Harissa.

Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell Executing this Mission?

Media of The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the most frequently mentioned Vatican figures in the media following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Heavenly Father on the morning of Easter Monday. Cardinal Farrell was the first to announce the Pope’s passing away in an official statement.

He is the Vatican’s Camerlengo, currently managing the daily affairs of the Holy See, particularly during the Sede Vacante which is the period from the moment of the Pope's passing away until the election of a new Pope. During this time, he also has the right to request financial information from various Vatican departments.

Pope Francis... Farewell

The Answer Is In this Report

Here Are the Details

Details Are In this Report

Here Is A Tradition

By Father Joseph Soueid

Lyrics: Father Michel Abboud

Music: Father Joseph Soueid

Arrangement: Mario Nakouzi

The Middle East Council of Churches' media is in continuous daily coverage of the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis and the most prominent letters of condolence.

Follow a daily series of reports, news, videos, and exclusive articles, programs and interviews, about the life and faith of the Supreme Pontiff, on the Middle East Council of Churches’ platform.

With the Presence of the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, and on the occasion of Holy Saturday, the Chaldean Eparchy of Beirut held a Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of the Late Dr. Michel Joseph Maamary, husband of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, as well as relatives, friends, and journalists.

The Prayer was presided over by His Eminence Bishop Michel Kassarji, the Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, assisted by Monsignor Raphael Traboulsi, the Episcopal Vicar General, Father Antoine Ghanem, the Antonian Monk, and the Deacons: Dani Cheba, Nawwar Ramo, and Nabil Riad.

Bishop Kassargi delivered a speech that highlighted the significance of the occasion and praised the virtues of the Late Dr. Michel. The service was also attended by Professor Michel Abs, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Journalists, cultural and humanitarian workers, as well as the Widow of the Deceased, his two children, and other family members.

Following the Liturgy, the family received condolences in the Eparchy's salon.