04/30/2026
On April 22, 2026, the Armenian Missionary Association of Canada (AMAC) organized a public lecture in Laval at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal, as part of the community’s commemoration of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The evening featured Rev. René Léonian—historian, author, theologian, and lecturer—who delivered a thoughtful and insightful presentation as a community service offered by AMAC.
The program was emceed by Harout Nercessian, AMAC Board Member, AMAA Representative in Canada, and Global Field Director.
The evening opened with prayer led by Rev. Mardiros Eglencyan, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal.
The program also included two cultural performances that added a deeply meaningful artistic dimension to the commemoration:
Antranik Poshoglian performed “Սարերի Հովին մեռնեմ” (Sareri Hovin Mernem) on the duduk.
Shooshanig Melkonian presented a powerful poetic medley entitled “ՊԱՏԳԱՄ ԿՈՉԵՄ ԱՊՐՈՂԱԾ” (Badgam Kochem Aprovats), curated by herself, featuring works by Vahan Tekeyan, Paruyr Sevak, Zhak Hagopian, and Hovhannes Shiraz. The medley reflected on the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide, with Antranik Poshoglian accompanying her on the duduk.
Rev. Dr. René Léonian, Chair of Armenology at the Catholic University of Lyon and holder of a Doctorate in Theology from the Catholic University of Lyon, delivered the keynote lecture. His academic and pastoral work spans teaching, research, and lecturing on Armenian history, theology, and the Armenian Evangelical Church across Europe, Armenia, and beyond.
His lecture was based on his recent publication ARMÉNIE : 3000 ans d’histoire – Terre Chrétienne Hier et Aujourd’hui – Importance du rôle des églises arméniennes. He explored Armenia’s 3000-year journey, emphasizing the enduring strength of its Christian identity and the vital role of the Armenian Church in shaping the nation’s spiritual life, cultural heritage, and resilience through centuries of challenge and renewal.
In his concluding remarks, Rev. Léonian emphasized that we must draw lessons from the past and look toward the future with hope, while also underscoring the importance of Armenian unity in facing national challenges and reaffirming the central and essential role the Armenian Church must continue to play in the life, identity, and future of the Armenian people.
A question-and-answer period followed the presentation, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.
The evening concluded with prayer offered by Rev. George Dabbo, Pastor of the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal.
Following the formal program, attendees continued conversations over refreshments, with many taking the opportunity to speak further with Rev. Léonian.
It was a meaningful evening of remembrance, learning, and reflection—honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide while reaffirming Armenian Christian identity, unity, and hope for the future.
