The Free and Secure Life of the Homeland and Our Solidarity for the sake of that Security are Above Everything
28.01.2020
On January 28, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians; along with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mr.NikolPashinyan and the leadership of the Armenian Armed Forces attended the event organized on the occasion ofthe Army Day in the town ofVardenis.
At the event His Holiness conveyed His Blessings and message to the attendees and to all people on this festive day.
In His remarks the Catholicos of All Armenians stated in part.
“By the will of Godand with a joyful soul We have arrived in Vardenis to convey Our Pontifical love and Blessings to the valiant servicemen of the Armenian Army, warmly congratulating you and all our people on the Armenian Army Day.
The approval of the Armenian Armed Forces Day in the calendar of the independent homeland and the glorification of the Armenian Army are the undoubted testimony and appreciation of the important role of the Armenian Army in ensuring the peaceful and secure life of our homeland and our people.
Every time seeing the brave defenders of the Homeland gives us a great joy.
And as the Armenian Patriarch, we are proud of each one of you, with the invincible spirit and selfless attitude displayed by you and your fellow brothers and sisters.
“The Spirit gives life” (John 6:64), -says the Gospel. The Spirit gives life, because that soul and spirit have often strengthened our arm in various historical situations, inspiring us to act and guide our nation to victory.
Peace - the independent life and the state independence; have always been given to our people at the cost of great sacrifices.
We have always been forced to fight not only for the borders of the homeland, for our families and sanctuaries, but also and most of all, for the protection of our identity and the right to live.
Coming to the battlefield, the Armenian waged a life-and-death struggle, realizing that he on his own was the guarantor for the existence of his own people, and every battle, crowned with victory, was the guarantee of tomorrow's bright day.
For all the children of our people, patriotism, valiant courage and devotion have not been as an abstract ideas at all times, but a sense of real responsibility towards our sacred land, true love towards the family, nation, and national values.
Dear beloved sons, standing on the frontier of our country you defend the native Homeland with your own life and blood.
You are the heroes of our times, the Vardans, Andraniks and Montes of our times.
We can see the spirit of continuing struggle of Avarayr, Sardarapat, Bash-Aparanbattles and Artsakh War in your eyes
Your loyal daily service and the heroism of the Armenian Army displayed in the not-so-distant past,during the days of the April War, are the testimony of your patriotism and unshakable love towards your nation.
As the Armenian Pontiff, I’m grateful, that the Armenian Army strengthens day by day under the care of the native authorities and the Ministry of Defense with new armaments and proper organization of military life.
It is also gratifying that for the strengthening of the spirit of our soldiers and officers as well as for spiritual endurance , today several dozen chaplains are serving in the Armenian Army alongside the soldier and the “Surb Nshan” cross, which is the replica of the Armenian King AshotErkat’s Cross, and carries the relic of the Holy Cross, keeps its care all over our military.
Dear faithful, the Armenian Church has always been and will remain with the Armenian soldier, will always bless his commitment, will and spirit, the mission of keeping the borders of the homeland intact and guaranteeing the peaceful life of the nation.
The free and secure life of the Homeland and our solidarity for that security are above everything.
This should be the consciousness of all of us, this must be the commitment each one of us in these days.
We extend our prayer to God for the homeland and every soldier who has sacrificed his lifefor us all.
Their cherished memory is unforgettable and indelible in the hearts of our nation's children.
Dear ones,this feast is an opportunity, to express our appreciation to every soldier of the Armenian Army, to the structures and individuals who contribute to the strengthening of the Armenian Armed Forces.
This holiday is also an opportunity for the whole Armenian nation throughout the world to be inspired and encouraged by the indomitable, victorious spirit of the Armenian soldier.
Let’s pray together that God’s Holy Right Hand protect and keep you, dear defenders of the homeland.
May the Lord grant you peaceful and secure service and under His Blessings and care keep our homeland of Armenia and Artsakh and our faithful people throughout the world.
May the grace, love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ remain with us and with all. Amen”.
At the conclusion of His remarks speech the Armenian Pontiff blessed the Armenian land and our nation, the Armenian Army and the Armenian Apostolic Church with the "Protector" prayer.
Accompanied by the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Catholicos of All Armenians along with the Brotherhood members of Holy Etchmiadzin placeda wreath at the memorial,dedicated to the memory of the Armenian victims of the Great Patriotic War and Artsakh War in Vardenis.
