Prayer for the Republic on the occasion of the Independence Day of Armenia
21.09.2023
Under the leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a Prayer for the Republic was held in the St. Gayane Monastery.
On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, the clergymen and the present faithful people raised a prayer to God for the peaceful, safe and secure life of our people of Armenia and Artsakh.
At the conclusion of the Prayer for the Republic, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his patriarchal message to the entire Armenian people.
Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on the occasion of the Prayer for the Republic
(Message on the Prayer for the Republic)
“Dear pious people,
Today we have come together under these sacred arches to offer a united prayer to God for the peace of our dear Homeland Armenia and Artsakh and the safe life of our people.
We welcome the thirty-second anniversary of the restoration of independent Armenian statehood in great anxieties and worries and the pain of new losses. Our thoughts are directed to Artsakh, where after prolonged intimidation, repression and a total blockade of more than nine months, Azerbaijan has resumed large-scale military operations, continuing its genocidal policy with bloody crimes.
Today, our people in Artsakh are facing dire existential threats. A hundred years later, under the eyes of the civilized world, our people are once again tasting the bitterness of the genocide. The Armenian pays with his life and blood for a free and independent life and national belonging again. We refuse to believe that the right to force continues to operate in the world of the twenty-first century, we refuse to believe that world leaders cannot find ways to prevent benevolence in Artsakh. We appeal to the international structures, the heads of friendly states to implement urgent and more effective measures to stop the genocidal actions of Azerbaijan. We appeal to the authorities of our country, national structures, political and public figures to make every effort to save Artsakh Armenians from new plagues. The divisiveness in our national life, the destructive indifference, the political tendencies, the inability to unite due to social polarization will deal new blows to our nation and our native statehood. We need unity to overcome trials and rise again, faithful patriotism to ensure the security and strengthening of the state, responsibility and high consciousness to protect our national and state interests and fulfill our cherished dreams. Beloved and faithful children of Artsakh, we convey our Patriarchal blessings and prayer and express our support to the authorities of Artsakh. You are facing a heavy responsibility and, unfortunately, you bear your suffering cross alone. Our pain and sorrow are common, the bitterness and sadness of our losses and the cruel blows inflicted on our native land are in all of our hearts.
At this crucial moment, may the Almighty God support you, comfort and gird you to face tribulations and difficulties, and with the mercy of the Lord, may the course of your life and that of your children be safe and secure. In this difficult situation, following the example of our ancestors who overcame the stormy times of our history, let us be armed and strengthened with hope and faith, according to the words of the psalmist. "Even if I pass through the shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for you, Lord, are with me" (Psalm 22:5).
Dear people in Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora, let's raise a prayer to the Heavenly Lord together, asking that the Almighty God pour His graces of peace on the Armenian world, keep the Armenian statehood strong and firm and in patriotism, resolute and unshakable to our people.
May the Lord's love, grace and peace be with us now and always. Amen."
