Exhibition opening in St. Nicholas Church: Remembrance, Responsibility and Humanity
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Saxony published a report on the opening of the exhibition by the co-abiter of the Lepsius House in Potsdam, Dr. Hayk Martirosyan: “The history of German missions for Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 1896—1919”
The introduction follows, and the full report with photo documentation can be found on the Honorary Consulate website.
“An exhibition dedicated to a deeply moving chapter of German-Armenian history was opened with an impressive event in St. Nicholas Church on March 23. Entitled “The History of German Missions for Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 1896—1919,” the exhibition highlights the work of the German missions in the Ottoman Empire between 1896 and 1919 — a period marked by violence, persecution and the genocide of the Armenians, but also by courageous humanitarian efforts.
The priest of St. Nicholas Church, Pastor Stief, welcomed the guests and addressed the special significance of St. Nicholas Church as a place of remembrance. For over 20 years, the victims of the genocide have been commemorated here every year on April 24 as part of the peace prayers. “Prayer marks an open wound,” he said, stressing that healing and reconciliation begin where grief is possible and trust can grow.”
