CHICAGO, Ill.—The Chicago Armenian community has organized a number of events, including a demonstration, a joint Liturgy, and a commemoration program at the Armenian Genocide Monument in Chicago on the occasion of the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

On Fri., April 22, a demonstration will be held in front of the Turkish Consulate in Chicago. The protest will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The military assault by the Azeris on the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) in early April seemed to be the launching point for a coordinated anti-Armenian campaign worldwide. In Chicago, in recent days, the Turkish propaganda machine has bought billboards, taken up full-page ads in the Chicago Tribune, and put up posters around the city.

The Turkish Consulate has organized two genocide denial events: one hosted by the consulate and co-sponsored by the Talaat Pasha Committee on April 24; and the other at the University of Chicago on April 25. The consulate has also promoted a counter demonstration on Fri., April 22, calling on Turks and Azeris to “Unite Against the Armenian Diaspora.”

The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Ararat” Chapter organized the April 22 demonstration, and urged community members to participate and to demonstrate against denial.

The demonstration will be held at 400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. (west side), in the plaza in front of the Wrigley Building.

A bus will depart from the Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church at 10 a.m. sharp (bus fee: $5 per person).The Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church is located at 1701 N. Greenwood Rd., Glenview. For more information or to make reservations, call Silva Bedian at (847) 708-9967.

Armenian Genocide Commemorative Program

A commemoration program titled, “Armenian Genocide 101: The Next Chapter Starts with Our Youth,” is scheduled for Sat., April 23 at 7:30 p.m. The event, which is sponsored by the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Illinois will comprise a multi-faceted display of song, dance, speech, art, and video presented by the next generation of Armenian activists and leaders. A candlelight vigil will follow the presentations.

The event will take place at the Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church.

Joint Divine Liturgy, Commemoration Program at Armenian Genocide Monument

On Sun., April 24 a joint Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Feast of Armenian Genocide Saints will take place at the Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church at 10 a.m. The service is sponsored by the Joint Committee of Armenian Churches of Greater Chicago. The church is located at 1701 N. Greenwood Rd., Glenview.

Immediately following church services, a commemorative program will take place at the Armenian Genocide Monument.

Confirmed guests include U.S. Congressman Bob Dold (10th Congressional District); State Senator Daniel Biss (9th Senate District); State Representative Laura Fine (17th Representative District); Cook County Commissioner Gregg Goslin (14th District); Raja Krishnamoorthi, candidate for Congress (8th Congressional District); and Endy Zemenides, executive director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council. The event is sponsored by the ANC of Illinois.