Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

President of the Republic of Armenia, the Honorable Serzh Sargsian,
President of the National Assembly, the Honorable Tigran Torosian,
President Robert Kocharian,
Your Eminences, Reverend Fathers, state authorities of Armenia, representatives of diplomatic missions, and dear guests,

We greet you on the occasion of the inauguration of the third president of the Republic of Armenia and extend the blessings of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin - our cherished holy cradle of faith built by God - with the prayers of the psalmist on our lips, "Let thy steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, as we have placed our hope in thee." Psalms 33:22

On the paths of a life blessed by God, our Armenian nation has received manifold graces. Under the gaze of Biblical Mount Ararat, Jesus Christ has transformed our people into the inheritors of the grace of salvation, granting us the power of a creative life, the spirit of self-sufficiency, and the glory of keeping the legacy of our forebears brilliant and alive. He has delivered us from difficulties and tragedies, guided us in the ways of liberty, peace and justice; and has made us worthy to greet the dawn of native independent statehood. Today, our people are building the new life of the homeland, with the hope to see our country in goodness and prosperity, progressing in science and culture, alive with the faith and sacredness of our forefathers. Truly, the foresight of the prophet has been manifested in the life of our people: "Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?" Sirach 2:10

On this solemn day of inauguration of the president of the republic, we have the opportunity to reflect that you, President Sargsian, along with many worthy sons of the nation, have brought your commendable contribution to the liberation of Artsakh and the stability and reinforcement of Armenia’s statehood.

During these years of independent statehood, our homeland has experienced significant transformations and reconstruction. We all are happy for the achievements and victories, which we shall increase and multiply. The creation of a more thriving and dignified life and establishment of a lawful society are the just expectations and aspirations of our people, which we expect to see quickly brought to fruition.

Our people as yet are experiencing the tribulations connected to post-election developments. Mr. President, the events of the past months increase the responsibility you - and all of us - bear: to implement utmost effort toward increasing the spirit of love, brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the sons and daughters of our people, and to reject intolerance. You are taking on the position of president of our republic at a decisive time for our country, with greater responsibility to continue your service to our homeland and our people dispersed throughout the world. The experience you have gained from previous high state positions; your will and devotion to strengthen our country; your plans and your proposed methods and prerequisites; inspire us with confidence, that under your leadership, through ongoing and consistent efforts, the challenges and obstacles which confront our lives will be overcome as well in the coming years. Thus, our country will be greater reinforced in the spheres of peace, justice and human rights, and with the desire to greater strengthen our freedom. Our Holy Church will assist you on these paths blessed by God, and will always support our native state as it has done for centuries. Through its unity, our people have achieved victories, and today as well, together we shall secure the welfare of our homeland. Incidents which endanger the unity of our people must not find a place in our lives. Through unity, we shall ensure an enduring blessed life, keep vibrant the Armenian Diaspora, and transform our dispersion throughout the world into strength for the homeland. Through unity we shall be able to find the peaceful solution to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, and see our just claims for recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians prevail. The words of the wise man said in a past era remain as truth: "Through unity, the small become great; through division, the great become small."

President Kocharian, today when you conclude your term as president of the Republic of Armenia, we offer our sincere prayers to the Almighty, asking Him to bless your life and grant you success in your future endeavors. The economic growth and efforts aimed at improving societal life and the tangible results which occurred during your presidency will guide our country to increased fundamental improvements and new advances.

It is our prayer to heaven, that God protect our homeland in peace and security, and that our people, with their productive labors, keep it beautiful, vibrant and blossoming.

President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsian, we ask that the blessing, graces and daily guidance of our Lord be with you throughout your responsible mission. May God grant you new energy, strength and vigor, and bless your efforts and those of all our people, so that your term of office be recorded in our history as a period of stability, progress and development for Armenia and Armenian life.

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" Psalms 31:24. With these words of the psalmist, we invite you all to stand and pray in unison:

"Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

"Protector and hope of the faithful, our Lord Jesus Christ, keep and defend the Republic of Armenia, its elected President and members of the National Assembly, its ministers and all authorities of our native land. Grant them perfect wisdom to lead the Armenian people to goodness and peace. Bless and strengthen the Armenian Church and her faithful in Armenia, Artsakh and the dispersion, to walk in paths of love and unity, justice and piety under the protection of Your holy and sacred Cross. Save us, O Lord, from enemies seen and unseen, make us worthy to praise and glorify You with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen."