Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Our beloved children,

 At this crucial moment for our nation and Homeland, we once again offer our Pontifical message.
Today, our people throughout the world are contributing their talents and abilities in all places in our sacred struggle for the free and independent life of the Armenians living in Artsakh.

 With the support of the Lord and prayers being offered in our churches, our courageous soldiers continue to bravely resist and drive the enemy, with the knowledge that victory is the only guarantee of the security and steadfastness of the Republic of Artsakh.

 Throughout its history, our people have faced many trials but never retreated, always showing an invincible spirit and power to attain victories.

 Our ancestors have endured many difficulties, bravely drove away fear and despair, conquered death by the grace of Christ's Resurrection, and forged the glorious victories of our native land.

 It is true, that "Braves are the descendants of our brave ancestors." Today, our new generation of brave sons, become heroes with the same spirit and the shining example of the ancestors; with a commitment to devote their precious lives to our people and Homeland. Parents, who gave brave fighters to the Armenian army, have also shown the same courage and heroism. Heavenly Blessings to the families of our soldiers, beloved mothers and fathers. We extend Our appreciation and prayers to the representatives of the national minorities who support our people, and to their sons fighting side by side with the Armenian soldiers.

 Today, the war unleashed by Azerbaijan; the negative attitude towards the humanitarian ceasefire; the disruption of negotiations with ultimatums; the shelling of the settlements and civilian population of Artsakh, which caused much destructions and loss of human life; the aspirations to resolve the matter of Artsakh through military operations; as well as the history of recent decades; are enough to prove that Artsakh cannot be a part of Azerbaijan, under any status. The threat to our existence gives us no choice but to defend the right of our people of Artsakh to a free and independent life through a life-and-death struggle; and re-establish the peace. Especially when the world is still reluctant to condemn the violence and atrocities of the enemy. God supports us in our ambitions of peace and freedom, who, with the power of our soul and faith, as the apostle says; “Christ will grant victory with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

 Our Beloved sons; at this crucial moment we call on you to bravely join the sacred struggle for the defense of the Homeland and the nation, and to stand by our warriors on the frontier; in order to defeat the insidious enemy, destroy his evil intentions and strengthen our Homeland, our Statehood. Today, more than ever, our national unity and solidarity is imperative for us, so that the selfless courage of our sons will be crowned with a victorious end; saving precious human lives. Let us be worthy of our heroic sons, their glorious spirit and their immortal heroism with our courage, our life, and deeds. We extend Our Pontifical message to the spiritual servants, to the colonels of the Armenian Army; to encourage and inspire the sons of our nation in the struggle for the defense of the Homeland, to strengthen our people with faith, praying for our common victory. Now, as a nation with a heart and a soul, united and consolidated; let us forge the victory of our new history. And just as we are inspired by our heroic ancestors, uttering the words of the historical fathers with special pride, so to must future generations declare that they are the descendants of the brave, the sons and daughters of heroic people.

 We convey Our heartfelt prayer, that the will and determination of our people all over the world be unshakable, and the arm and spirit of the Homeland defender be powerful. We ask that Almighty God protect and set our people free from the evil trials, existing and unseen enemies; and grant peace and prosperity to our Homeland, and All the Armenian nation, today and always. Amen.