To keep the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide eternally alive, erecting various monuments, statues and “Khatchkars” (Armenian Cross stones) has become a tradition in Armenia and in various countries where an Armenian Diaspora exists.  Likewise in the UAE, a Khatchkar commemorating the April 1915 genocide martyrs is erected in the yard of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Sharjah.

On 23rd April 1996, a large crowd was present at the official inauguration ceremony and the Church service consecrating this monument. As tradition warrants, our Khatchkar is a hand chiseled sculpture in Armenian tufa stone and weighs two tones. It was generously donated by the Sukiasyan family who are residents of Armenia.

In accordance with the decision taken by the Armenian community’s legislative and executive bodies of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the Khatchkar was named “Abrilian Nahadagats Houshagotogh” (Aprilian Martyrs’ Monument). Ever since its consecration, every year the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church begins with the lighting of candles and the placement of a wreath at the base of the Abrilian Nahadagats Houshagotogh.