On May 2, an event commemorating the Armenian Genocide Centenary was held in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George of Corfu, organized by the friends of the Foundation “Mémoire Albert Cohen” of Corfu. The event was entitled “One Hundred Years after the Armenian Genocide Corfu Remembers the Armenians and Their Orphans”.

The event commenced with the national anthems of Greece and Armenia performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra. In the opening remarks the organizers noted that the event was in line with the ideas and values of the writer, diplomat and humanist Albert Cohen who has long promoted refugee protection and refugee status issues in the framework of the International Refugee Organization.

In his welcoming speech Ambassador Ghalatchian noted with gratitude that during the Armenian Genocide and afterwards thousands of Armenian orphans found refuge and an opportunity to start a new life in the orphanages of Corfu.

On the behalf of ARF Armenian National Committee of Greece Tagvor Hovakimian delivered welcoming remarks.

Professor and political analyst Nikos Lygeros thoroughly reflected on geopolitical situation of Armenia from historical point of view, presenting historical photographs and maps.

The event further featured a presentation by Professor of Literature Chryssa Alamanou about the Corfiot-Armenian community and the Armenian orphans sheltered in orphanages of the island and their future fate after adoption in different countries of the world. A presentation concerning the economic and commercial activities of the Corfiot-Armenian community at the beginning of the 20th century was made by entrepreneur Paul Tzarouian.

In the artistic part of the event singer Galina Knysh and pianist Anastasia Lopatina performed Armenian songs by Komitas. A violin and piano concert dedicated to the Armenian composer Aram Khachaturyan followed, performed by Professor of the Ionian University, violinist Spyros Gykontis and pianist Daphne Sofocleous.

At the closing part of the event an exhibition of old photographs and personal belongings of Corfiot-Armenian families was officially opened in the adjacent “Art Cafe Exhibition” hall. The exhibition will run until May 15.