National boxer Garbis Zakaryan was buried in the family graveyard in Şişli Armenian Cemetery after the funeral held at the Armenian Apostolic Church in Beyoğlu Surp Yerrortutyun (Holy Trinity) on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
The ceremony at the Church of the Holy Yerrortutyun was attended by his family, as well as Armenian Patriarch of Turkey His Beatitude Sahak II Mashalyan, Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Kasapoğlu, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya, Deputy Garo Paylan, Şişli and Beyoğlu mayors, council members, Boxing Federation President Eyüp Gözgeç, Taksim and Şişli sports club chairmen and managers, sports writer Orhan Ayhan, former athletes, friends, relatives and a crowded community of his fans.
In his preaching at the ceremony, the Archpriest Rev. Tatul Anushyan, said “Blessed are they who are peaceful, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven; peace, brotherhood, friendship are important among people and nations. People who are interested in culture, art and sports are also involved in the establishment of this bridge of peace and brotherhood, especially since the late Garbis Zakaryan was the first boxer to put the national jersey on as an Armenian individual of this country.”
The body of Garbis Zakaryan, who was carried on the shoulders after the ceremony in the church, was places in the section prepared in the garden of the church. Here, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of Sport Dr. Mehmet Kasapoğlu, Patriarch Sahak Mashalyan, Boxing Federation chairman Eyüp Gözgeç, sports writer Orhan Ayhan and his son Kasper Zakaryan made speeches and said farewell to Turkey’s first national boxer Garbis Zakaryan. Garbis Zakaryan was buried at the Şişli Armenian cemetery in cortege and prayers led by Father Shirvan Murzian.
