Commemoration of First Armenian Republic in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On May 28, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin commemorated "Republic Day", observing the foundation of the First Armenian Republic in 1918. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided during a "Blessing of the Republic" Prayer conducted in the Mother Cathedral. Participating were members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, students from the Gevorkian Theological Seminary of the Mother See and the Vaskenian Theological Seminary of Sevan, and many faithful.
Later the same day, His Holiness attended festivities held at the Sardarapat Memorial Complex commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Sardarapat. In attendance for the event were President of the Republic of Armenia, Robert Kocharian; President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh, Arkady Ghukasian; President of the RA National Assembly, Armen Khatchatrian; Prime Minister of Armenia, Andranik Margarian; President of the Constitutional Court, Gagik Harutiunian; Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps; high ranking dignitaries and guests, and thousands of people from throughout Armenia who had come to join in the celebration.
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The Message of His Holiness Karekin II,
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians
on the Occasion of First Republic Day:
Beloved Armenian People,
With the sacredness of this Independence Day, our souls today are joyful and illuminated, and once again we offer praise up to heaven, that our homeland is free and filled with the hopes of a new life.
Today, once again we are enveloped with the knowledge that the independence of Armenia is a priceless and sacred inheritance bestowed upon us. Armenian history does not contain even one moment in time while living under foreign rule, when our people have not desired and struggled for the re-establishment of Armenian Independence and Freedom. Encouraged by this truth and holding the shield of faith in our hearts, let us be loyal to our debt towards the Motherland, so that our children inherit a free, strong and decent Homeland, and celebrate the First Independence Day of Armenia with optimism and happiness.
Glory to the Sons and Daughters of Armenia who created Armenian Independence.
Glory to the Freedom-loving and Peaceful Nation of Armenia.
Glory to our Free Motherland.
Dear Children of Armenia, on the glorious occasion of our First Independence Day, with Pontifical love we greet and send our blessings from the Mother See of All Armenians to you in Armenia and in Dispersion. May the Lord protect our Homeland and the Armenian People, and grant well-being and prosperity.
May the Grace and Love of God always be with all of us. Amen.
