Khachkar installed in French town of Saint-Chamond in memory of Armenian Genocide victims

At the initiative of Manvel Paramazyan, mayor of Kajaran, an Armenian khachkar was installed in the courtyard of the Armenian Catholic Church of St. Gregory of Narek in the French town of Saint-Chamond in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

A statement from the Kajaran municipality notes that this significant event is another important step toward strengthening friendly relations between the sister cities of Kajaran and Saint-Chamond, preserving Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage, and presenting it to the international community. The ceremony to install the khachkar was attended by Manvel Paramazyan, mayor of Kajaran; Axel Dugua, mayor of Saint-Chamond; representatives of the city authorities; clergy; members of the local Armenian community; and guests.

After the solemn church ceremony, the khachkar was consecrated by Bishop Yeghia Yeghyan, Armenian Catholic primate of France, with the blessing of Father Raphael Shefikyan. A Holy Liturgy in memory of the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide was also held during the day.