Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration at Lambeth Palace CCJ

On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas attended the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration at Lambeth Palace, organised by the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ).

The commemoration heard from Holocaust survivor Dr Martin Stern MBE, the Lord Archbishop of York, and other leading Christian and Jewish leaders.

In his remarks introducing second generation Roma survivor and founder of the Sinti Roma Holocaust Memorial Trust, Ms Daniela Abraham, his Eminence said “Life is about stories and through them we recall and remember the events that have taken place. Some make us smile, while others tell us of the savagery, cruelty and hatred of our world. Today, we recall a sad chapter in the stories of life. Along with the Jewish communities that were persecuted, devastated and targeted by the Nazis, other groups also suffered the consequences of hatred and some joined the Jews in marching the path to their deaths. Among these, were the Roma – a people who still suffer today because of ignorance and hatred”.

The commemoration included Byzantine chanting, and a candle lighting ceremony and minute silence marking the solemn anniversary. His Eminence was accompanied by Father Andreas Minic (from the Archdiocesan office for Ecumenical and Interreligious relations), and Archdiocesan Trustee Mr Jason Charalambous (an alumnus of the CCJ Holocaust studies trip to Poland).

Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January is a day of remembrance for the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups, and in the more recent genocides recognised by the UK government.

The CCJ, of which His Eminence is one of the Presidents, and His Majesty King Charles is Patron, is the leading nationwide forum for Christian-Jewish engagement.