Catholicos of All Armenians and Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Welcomed at the Gandzasar Monastery in Nagorno Karabakh
14.04.2016
On April 13, His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians; and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Srbazan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh; and Mr. Ashot Ghulyan, National Assembly Chairman of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR); visited the Gandzasar Monastery.
At the entrance of the monastery, the Catholicos of All Armenians, and the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; were welcomed by numerous Armenians of NKR: soldiers and faithful young and old; who were gathered there on this historic occasion. Under the victorious ringing of the monastery bells and the singing of the “Hrashapr” hymn, the procession of Diocesan clergy and spiritual servants of the Army Chaplaincy, led the Catholicos of All Armenians and the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, to the historic 10th century St. John the Baptist Cathedral, where they offered a united prayer for peace in Artsakh and the world.
Following an opening prayer, Archbishop Pargev welcomed the visit of His Holiness Karekin II, and the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, to Artsakh.
“Today, the Gandzasar Monastery and Artsakh are rejoicing: the Armenian Catholicoi have come to Artsakh at this critical point, to fortify the nation, the Artsakh authorities, Armenian soldiers and Armenian clergy; so that we all encouraged to be able to continue our mission. At this important time, we are a witness to a historical reality, when our Patriarchs are beside us, are with us, to strengthen us through God”, noted Archbishop Pargev.
Afterwards, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, addressed his message of support to the faithful present, and the whole of Artsakh-Armenians and stated in part:
“Our dear faithful sons and daughters,
We extend to you the light and blessings of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, our Pontifical love and prayers, and the support of your brothers and sisters from around the world. Today, along with our beloved spiritual brother, Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; we have come here to offer a prayer under the arches of the church, for a peaceful life in Artsakh. We have come to pray for the safety and security of our soldiers and to extend our support to the authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and all our people in Artsakh, for their efforts to build a peaceful and vibrant life. We are here to fortify our people in Artsakh. Glory to You Artsakh-Armenians, Glory to You Artsakh Army! We are proud of you, with your deeds and your bravery.
Giving thanks to God, our brave soldiers of the Army heroically withstood the military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan. They frustrated the insidious plan to solve the issue of the Karabakh nation, through a military solution. The guns of the enemy, no matter how modern, were unable to secure victory. The generation of independence rose up with strong faith against the enemy, to defend the freedom of Artsakh. The spirit of their fathers lived within them, as well as the spirit of Avarayr and Sardarapat. According to the words of the Apostles they “were mighty in war, and routed foreign armies.”(Hebrews 11:34); as “for everyone born of God overcomes the world” (I John 5:4). Courageously standing against death, some of them fell on the battlefield. The testament of the blood of our children ascended to God. And the Lord saw that sinless is the blood of our brave men, He saw that righteous is the case of our heroes who are defending the Homeland. And God shed His power to the Artsakh world, granted His power to throw back the enemy. The enemy destroyed buildings, killed innocent victims; among them children and women, savagely tortured and murdered elderly people and dismembered bodies of soldiers. Azerbaijan proudly displayed and published these crimes throughout the Internet, presenting these deeds as courageous, to disperse the fears of their soldiers, to keep their population militarized and in fear and hate of Armenians; disguising the reality of their defeat.
Numerous Armenian sons have voluntarily travelled to Artsakh and today new recruits have swelled the ranks of the army, supporting the sacred mission of homeland defense. The clergy of our Holy Church through their prayers, bless and encourage the homeland defenders with crosses and the Bible, so that our soldiers always stay brave against the military aggressions of the adversary.
Dear faithful, the situation on the homeland border remains tense. We must always be ready to defend against any encroachment and prevent every planned crime. Raising the details of the events in Karabakh to the whole world, is important for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict by the international community, as well as for destabilizing the policy of tyranny by Turkey which sponsors Azerbaijan, and for the maintenance of peace in the region. We believe, dear ones, that the advanced world, which is the defender and protector of human rights, struggles against terrorism and the prevention of crimes against humanity, and must support the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
Dear Armenians, let's pray and ask the Almighty that He supports and grants success to all the kind efforts for recognizing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. Let us pray for the repose of the souls of our martyrs and for our mothers who lost their sons. Let us ask for peace in our homeland and in the life of the mankind.
God our Savior, save and protect the people who are relying on and trusting in You, grant them love and the establishment of peace, today and forever, Amen”.
On this occasion, Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; also gave remarks, in turn expressing solidarity with the people of Artsakh, the Army and calling on Armenians to combine their efforts in support of the peace in Artsakh. Catholicos Aram I noted, that while it is the first time he was visiting Artsakh, Artsakh has always been in his heart and soul. “We are a peaceful nation and we have never made any infringement, but never allowed our enemy to violate our just rights. The enemy should know that the people of Artsakh are not separate, and has the support of the Armenian people. History has taught us that at crucial moments our united strength is our greatest weapon, therefore, today also the entire Armenian nation must use this united strength to support the people of Artsakh and protect the land sanctified by the blood of our martyrs”, stressed His Holiness Aram I.
At the conclusion, the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, visited the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran, the "Gandzasar" scientific and cultural center, where they were viewed manuscripts created in various workshops of Artsakh, and rare archival documents reflecting the history of Artsakh, particularly Gandzasar, and a collection of antique books.
Following the tour, the Catholicos of All Armenians and Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia listened to patriotic songs and recitations by students and soldiers of the Vank village, then blessed the youth and gave them crosses.
