Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

“Only with a strong state is it possible to perpetuate our identity and existence, the memory of our heroes”. Catholicos of All  ArmeniansOn the morning of December 20, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, accompanied by a retinue of bishops, visited the Yerablur Military Pantheon to pay respects and to pray for the souls of the martyred soldiers of the Artsakh war.

After a ceremonial laying of wreaths, His Holiness and the clergy visited the soldiers’ graves to offer their prayers.

Then, the Catholicos of All Armenians presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Gayane Monastery, where a Repose of Souls Service was offered for the fallen heroes. Following the service, His Holiness addressed the attending mourners, clergies and the entire Armenian people addressed with the following remarks:

Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians

At the Repose of Souls  Service Offered for the Martyrs of the Artsakh War

Dear Faithful Children:

Today we honor once again the memory of our soldiers and military commanders who died for our Homeland. They fought courageously against a despicable enemy in the Artsakh war—and with the shedding of their precious blood, they received an everlasting crown of martyrdom. By their valiant deeds, they immortalized themselves on the field of battle, inheriting the gift of eternal life as our Lord Jesus Christ promised: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” (John 10:28).

Relying on the Lord’s promise, our loving children sacrificed their lives for their countrymen, and inscribed their feats into the newest page of Armenia’s long battle in the cause of freedom. As before in our history, the Armenian people once again gave birth to heroes, who will henceforth occupy a bright place in the annals of our people, ranked among all the brave souls who have ever fought and died for the faith.

Our heroes died with a vision of the just right of the Armenians of Artsakh to live freely, in a peaceful, secure, prosperous homeland. Their example instructs us to be steadfast in spirit for our national aspirations, and to fight valiantly for their realization.

Beloved children, God relieves sorrowful mourning with the consoling, comforting power of His Holy Spirit. His grace gives us the ability to rise above trials and tribulations; to be resurrected, Christ-like, from the successive Golgothas of our history; to testify to the potential of our people around the world; to be God-fearing, faithful, and strong-willed, with a unique determination to build life anew.

Now, it falls to us to pay homage to the graves of these martyred fellow Armenians, by confronting our present internal and external challenges in a united spirit. To overcome political and social crises, we must remain vigilant in our reliance on calm, sober reasoning. We must mourn the loss of our martyrs with dignity—and without politicizing their memory. Out of respect for them, and in the unforgettable light of their cherished memory, we should continue their example of Christ-like self-sacrifice by conducting our national life in a spirit of solidarity and a consciousness of our fundamental common interests.

Now, in memory of our martyred heroes, let us reaffirm the covenant of patriotism. Let their sense of duty, commitment, and sacrifice shine as the example for our statesmen, politicians, and people to follow. With unconditional zeal, let us do everything possible to build a prosperous life for our homeland. Let us strengthen our statehood, not endanger it with reckless steps. Let us place the protection and progress of our people ahead of personal interests. Only under a strong state is it possible to perpetuate our identity, our existence, and the memory of our heroes.

Let us pray together from the depths of our hearts, asking our merciful God to grant peace to the immortal souls of our dear children who died valiantly. Let us ask His Holy Spirit to console the grief of our heroes’ parents, wives, and children—and comfort the sorrow in all of us. Yet, let sadness not overshadow national life; let tragedies no longer afflict our people; let us build a bright future for our homeland and for all Armenians, as a true nation under God.

We give glory to our martyred sons, and blessings to the light of their memory. With utmost humility, we offer this prayer:

O Christ, Son of God, forgiving and merciful:

Hear our plea and accept our prayers. Out of your love as our Creator, have mercy on the souls of the heroic soldiers and generals who died in the Artsakh war, in defense of our homeland. Receive them among the illuminated, saintly company who stand by your right hand. Grant them entry into your eternal kingdom.

Most caring Lord, grant your divine freedom to those who remain in captivity, so that they may soon return home safely.

Bless with your soothing love; grant healing to the wounded and comfort to the mourning fathers, mothers, widows, orphans, relatives, and all grieving people.

Under your holy beneficence, keep our people united in love. Strengthen our souls with faith and hope—in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora—so that with your help we can overcome this difficult crisis.

Remove from us the evil of hatred and violence; grant us a spirit of solidarity and brotherhood; help us build a united, strengthened nation, where your Name is blessed with gratitude alongside the Father and Holy Spirit, now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.