Catholicos of All Armenians
Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on the occasion of the Artsakh Republic Day
02 september 2024 Etchmiadzin
Dear pious people,
September 2 is the Artsakh Republic Day.
In the conditions of occupation of Artsakh and complete depopulation, we continue to celebrate this historic day, because Artsakh is not the past, it is a historical homeland where the Artsakh Armenians have lived and created for thousands of years, protected their identity with blood and sweat, the contributions and sacred values of their fathers, and to cherish its sacred dreams of a brighter future.
We continue to celebrate the Artsakh Republic Day also as a just protest against the genocide, violence and hatred against our people. Violence cannot erase human memory and cannot silence the voice of justice. We believe that our historical memories and the exploits of our ancestors will strengthen us and our people will overcome the disastrous consequences of the war with faith and hope, and will pursue the realization of their national dreams and visions with a patriotic and national spirit.
The commemoration of Artsakh Republic Day is another commandment to our people and the international community that supports high humanitarian values, to make active efforts for the victory of justice and truth, for the protection of the violated rights of Artsakh Armenians and for the preservation of the centuries-old Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh.
On this sacred day, let's raise our heartfelt prayers to God for all the brave men who gave their lives for the liberation and defense of Artsakh, as well as ask God's assistance for the speedy release of the military and political leaders of Artsakh and all our captive children.
May the Heavenly Lord always keep the love and loyalty towards the native land alive in the souls of our people, spread peace and comfort in our domestic life and lead our entire nation to bright and victorious destinations. Amen.