Less than two weeks after the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, the Senate’s opening prayer was led by His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who focused on the genocide and justice.

“This year is the centenary of the Armenian genocide, the first genocide of the many that followed in the 20th century,” he said. “In commemorating 1.5 million Armenian martyrs, we claim justice. Indeed, justice is a gift of God, and violation of justice is a sin against God.”

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., who has publicly recognized the Armenian Genocide, invited His Holiness Aram I to the Capitol.