Memorial service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne marks 110th anniversary of Sayfo Genocide

MELBOURNE — In a heartfelt ceremony of prayer and remembrance, the Anglican St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne hosted a memorial service on Sunday to honor the victims of the Armenian, Greek, and Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) genocides committed by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915, collectively referred to by the Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans) as the Sayfo.

The event, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Sayfo, was jointly organized by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne alongside representatives from the affected communities. Clergy from the Armenian, Syriac, Assyrian, and Greek Churches joined hundreds of parishioners, community members, and dignitaries in a powerful display of unity.

“This isn’t just about remembering the past,” said a Greek community leader during the service. “It’s about carrying the voices of our ancestors forward and ensuring their suffering is acknowledged. The path to justice begins with recognition.”

The Anglican Church had announced in March its plans to host this year’s commemoration, emphasizing solidarity among Christian communities impacted by the 1915 atrocities, which many historians and human rights organizations recognize as genocide.

Throughout the service, speakers underscored the importance of dialogue, healing, and advocacy. Calls were made for the state government of Victoria to formally recognize the Sayfo, following similar moves by other Australian states.

The memorial was supported by the Joint Justice Initiative, a coalition of political parties and organizations representing Armenian, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), and Greek communities. This initiative has worked closely with the Anglican Church to bring the issue into international forums and raise awareness of the Sayfo.

Following the liturgy, expressions of gratitude were extended to those who organized and supported the event, reaffirming their commitment to honoring the victims and standing with Christian communities affected by the Ottoman-era atrocities.

“We owe it to the victims to keep their memory alive,” one attendee said. “And we owe it to future generations to ensure that history does not repeat itself.”