The Second Day of the Pontifical Visit to Artsakh
05.06.2021
The second day of the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians to the Republic of Artsakh, began with a visit to the N military unit of the Defense Army of Artsakh.
Arriving at the military unit, accompanied by the President of Artsakh Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan and the delegation of the clergy, His Holiness conveyed his Blessings and fatherly wishes to the commanders, officers and soldiers gathered on this occasion.
The Pontiff of All Armenians brought his honor to the brave soldiers who fought for the independence of Artsakh and the protection of the rights of our people of Artsakh, and paid tribute to the memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the love of the homeland; emphasizing that this high price paid should never be forgotten, but should become a new covenant for the protection and strengthening of the independent statehood of Artsakh.
“All Armenians are living in difficult times. The Azerbaijan's 44-day war against Artsakh, unleashed with the support of Turkey and international terrorist groups, with its consequences, damages caused and huge losses, will keep us in pain and sorrow for a long time until we are able to overcome the current difficult situation with effective means, and dispel the feeling of uncertainty towards the future. The existing problems and challenges must be solved in our lives when we all investigate the causes of this tragic situation”, stated the Armenian Pontiff.
His Holiness noted that he is aware of the courage and heroic deeds of the Armenian servicemen, the glorious episodes of their selfless struggle; emphasizing that from Avarayr to Sardarapat and Artsakh; the firm conviction and awareness has always been manifested at all times, that behind the Armenian military is the most precious thing, the native land, the sanctities and the family that determine the Armenian identity.
“Our people sanctified this heroic spirit, passing the glorious names of the patriotic warriors on the future generations.
Dear sons, these glorious people were not more than you today. They were simple young people like you, with the same patriotic temperament and aspirations, filled with the same hopes for life, with a desire to achieve the bright. Their spirit of struggle and zeal were also not more than the selfless commitment of your brothers and fathers on the land of Artsakh.
However, according to the word of the Apostle, they fought their kind war, and today, the sacred duty to keep the light of our identity alive has been passed on our generation from the ancestors; as well as, to stand firmly on the frontlines of the homeland, no matter how difficult that mission is. Today, the Armenian Army and the Armenian soldier are the only guarantors of the native statehood, the free and independent life of our people, the security and happiness of your families and loved ones, the survival of the all national things”, stressed the Catholicos of All Armenians in his speech.
His Holiness affirmed that the Church has always supported the Armenian Army, adding that, even during the most difficult moments of the war, the clergy and chaplains stood with the Armenian soldier; and the communities around the world supported in the existing needs.
“Dear soldiers and officers, the spirit of the Armenian Army and the victorious will is the source of the strength and confidence of the nation, the inspiration of our people and optimism towards the future. Stay steadfast in this calling, and we believe, that Our Lord the Savior will grant us new victories”, stated His Holiness Karekin II, asking God to keep the servicemen safe and secure; so that they will be the protectors of the homeland and our sanctuaries with their powerful arms; and fulfilling their sacred duty, they return to their families to continue their cherished life and work in the Fatherland.
At the conclusion, the Catholicos of All Armenians blessed the commanders of the Defense Army and the military attended through the “Protector” Prayer.
