The Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians on the Occasion of First Republic Day
28.05.2023
From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin we extend greetings and blessings to our entire people, congratulating them on the festive occasion of First Republic Day.
Our people, who survived the Armenian Genocide, built the May victories of Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan, and Gharakilisa with strong faith and a spirit that did not give up in the face of disasters, and opened a bright new page in its history with the establishment of the First Republic.
Today, the threats towards the security of Armenia and the security of the border areas, the sovereignty of Artsakh, as well as domestic developments have created deep concerns in the Homeland, in the life of all Armenians. Our united struggle, unanimity and determination is the way to resist the steps taken against our homeland and people, and the ambitious aspirations.
Celebrating the memory of the reestablishment of independence and the proclamation of the First Republic, dear Armenians, let us be inspired and girded by the freedom-loving spirit and exploits of our blessed fathers, reject and remove hostility, hatred and opposition from our lives and strengthen our national unity. Let us be determined to protect the right of self-determination of our people of Artsakh under siege, undisturbed peace and our dignified life.
May God grant peace to the whole world, to our country and people, and under His sufficient graces empower us to achieve our national goals, our aspirations for a secure and prosperous life. May the mercy and graces of Christ our Savior protect all our people in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.
