Remarks of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the Awarding Ceremony of the Order of Honor of the Russian Federation
12.01.2023
Honorable Ambassador of the Russian Federation,
Most Reverend and Gracious Fathers,
Honorable members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and dear guests,
We welcome your presence at the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and convey our blessings and best wishes on the occasion of the New Year and the soul-refreshing feasts of Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.
With gratitude, we received the Order of Honor of the Russian Federation awarded to us by the Honorable President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin handed by the Honorable Ambassador Mr. Sergey Kopirkin. We convey our Patriarchal wishes and blessings to the Ambassador, the President of the Russian Federation, for the sincere attention and appreciation.
Our nations have a rich history of centuries-old friendship, which has been hardened and tempered by shared tribulations and difficulties and many victories. The brotherhood of our people is firmly established on our Christian faith and shared common values. Throughout the history of Armenian-Russian relations, as well as since the declaration of independence, our people have felt the friendly attitude and support of friendly Russia. We witnessed a vivid testimony of this kind of friendship, when the bloody Artsakh war of 2020 was stopped by the direct efforts of the Russian Federation and President Vladimir Putin himself, and important support continues in overcoming the disastrous consequences of the war, ensuring the security of our people in Artsakh, and protecting Dadivank and the ancient Armenian sanctuaries. All of our souls are troubled these days by the humanitarian crisis created in Artsakh due to the blocking of the Lachin Corridor.
We pray that the efforts of Russian peacekeepers to end the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and overcome the disastrous situation in Artsakh will be successful. With the help of His Almighty Lord, let our region regain its peace, restore the territorial integrity of Armenia and let the international community recognize the right of our people of Artsakh to live safely, freely and independently in their native land.
Dear friends, we consider the granting of this high award by the Russian Federation in the context of valuing the historical role of the Armenian Church in the strengthening of Armenian-Russian friendship, spiritual and cultural ties between Armenia and Russia, and also as an appreciation of the important contribution of the Armenian community in the life of Russia. At the roots of the friendship between our peoples is the brotherhood of the Armenian and Russian Churches. In close cooperation with the Patriarch Kiril of Moscow and All Russia, our beloved brother in Christ, we will make every effort to further strengthen and perpetuate the centuries-old friendship between our peoples. We raise our prayer to God that in today's stormy and troubled world, the All-Merciful Lord pours His graces of peace on the life of all mankind and keeps our brother people in safety and prosperity, granting fruitful cooperation and permanent achievements to our friendly countries. On this occasion, dear Mr. Ambassador, please convey to the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin, our gratitude and best wishes for a speedy overcoming of the challenges and trials facing Russia. May God bless and keep the friendship of our brother peoples unshakable.
