Armenian Genocide Studies at Ottawa-Carleton Catholic Schools

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; adiocese@aol.com
Website; www.armenianchurch.ca
December 19, 2004 ---

Armenian Genocide Studies at Ottawa-Carleton Catholic Schools

The Armenian Church Canadian Diocese successfully organized an Ecumenical and Interfaith Martyrs' Prayer Service to mark the observance of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, on April 15, 2005, at Notre Dame Basilica, the Roman Catholic Archdiocesan Cathedral of Ottawa. At this time, upon the conclusion of this most memorable year of observance of the Armenian Genocide, the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Canada has been informed that the Ottawa Carelton Catholic School Board, will be including the study of Genocide, in their school curriculum.

Mr. John Podgorski, Director of Religion, at OCCDSB, is working on the development of this initiative, and states: "Genocide remains a very important educational topic for Catholic schools. The Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board is developing an educational resource that would give students and teachers a deeper understanding of genocide as a profound social justice issue. Documentation related to the Armenian genocide will be incorporated as a basis for independent learning and seminar presentations in grade 12 Religious Education

Besides, the unprecedented success that the ecumenical and interfaith Martyrs' Prayer service represented for the Armenian Community in Ottawa, this initiative is a positive and major advancement that will help to raise awareness and understanding of this important issue. Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate and Mrs. Ani Mardian of Ottawa, will provide further support for this program.