Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Dear Faithful People,

 From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin we extend our Divine blessings and pontifical love and prayers.
These are critical days for our Homeland. We are fighting to the death for the right of a free and independent life of our people living in Artsakh.

 Ignoring the ceasefire agreement, Azerbaijan continues its military operations against the Republic of Artsakh, shelling peaceful settlements and the civilian population, our monuments and sanctuaries, and the St. Ghazanchetsots Cathedral (Holy Saviour Cathedral) in Shushi.

 The border settlements of the Republic of Armenia are also targeted.

 This policy of Azerbaijan shows its anti-Armenian policy of obstructing the negotiations, and expelling and annihilating the people of Artsakh from their homeland.

 There is no and can be no guarantee of security for Artsakh as a part of Azerbaijan.

 War is not the choice of our people. We are forced to defend ourselves, as the only way to preserve our lives, freedom and dignity against violence and brute force.

 We appeal to all states that value human life, peace and justice; in particular the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, to take more decisive steps to prevent the atrocities and genocidal acts committed by Azerbaijan with the direct involvement of Turkey and mercenary terrorists, to force the cessation of hostilities, and to pursue a settlement of the conflict through negotiations.

 The secure life of the people of Artsakh and the establishment of lasting peace in Artsakh is vital and imperative in order to prevent destruction and humanitarian disaster in the region.

 We call on our people in the Homeland and around the world: Beloved ones, more than ever, the Homeland needs the full commitment of each of us, the unification and the victorious determination of all Armenians for the protection of Artsakh and the establishment of justice for our people in this sacred struggle.

 Let us be united, let us continue our support to Artsakh, with efforts aimed at the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh in order to restore peace within the Homeland with a glorious victory inspired by the spirit of our heroic ancestors, ensuring the safe and creative life of our Homeland- Artsakh and Armenia.
Dear Soldiers and Officers of the glorious Armenian army:

 With special appreciation, we offer you our Pontifical blessings with a grateful heart.

 Each day in hard battles you accomplish feats in defending our homeland and the right of our people to live freely.

 Every nation should be proud of devoted, worthy children like you.

 You are the pride of our people, the guarantor of the existence of our statehood, a free Armenia, a free Artsakh and our just aspirations.

 During this struggle you have lost comrades-in-arms who fell as heros and inherited the immortal crown of martyrdom.

 In the vibrant memory of our modern-day martyrs, may your covenant be firm to keep the victorious spirit of patriotism unwavering to defend the homeland.

 Following the example of your self-dedication and service, all our people all over the world have stood up, raising their voices for the rights and victory of Artsakh.

 We believe that “The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).

 And with that victorious faith we ask God Most High to keep and safeguard you, dear soldiers, officers and volunteer defenders; as well as arm you with His spiritual armor, and strengthen your will to establish lasting peace in our Homeland and in the life of our people. We pray for you.

 Let God support and help you, Our people and Our native country- Armenia and Artsakh. Amen.