Armenian Independence Day celebrated in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
21.09.2005
On September 21, Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, led the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and the faithful in commemorating the festive day with a service of thanksgiving in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The procession of bishops, priests and deacons led His Holiness as they entered into the Mother Cathedral of all Armenians under the singing of hymns and stood before the Main Altar where they offered their prayers for the safety and security of Armenia.
Following readings from the New Testament letters and the Gospel, His Holiness offered a prayer to heaven on bended knees, stating in part, "O Lord, we offer praise and thanks to You, that you visited the Armenian nation, showing us Your great mercy, and established the Armenian Republic on this land . . . We bow down before You, O Lord our God, and ask from your most generous and beneficent love, that You keep and protect the Republic of Armenia in peace - prosperous and unshaken. Bless O Lord, all faithful and loyal officials of Armenia . . . Bless all those who live under the authorities of this Republic: clergy and laymen, young and old, men and women, and all of your faithful flock, keeping them under the safety of Your Holy Right Hand . . ."
The service ended with the Pontiff of All Armenians blessing the gathered faithful and wishing all Armenians a happy Independence Day.
