Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On May 9, in the Saint Vardan chapel-baptistry of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a Prayer of Peace was offered for the peace and security of Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian Patriarch, the Brotherhood of the Mother See and the attending faithful people offered a joint prayer to God, asking the Almighty Lord to keep Armenia and Artsakh safe and unshakable in peace, the native borders unassailable, and the soldiers of the Armenian army strong and brave.

On this occasion, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his message to the attendees.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS ON THE  PRAYER OF PEACE

“And this is the victory that has overcome

the world—our faith”

(1 John 5.4)

Beloved people of Armenia,

With Paternal love, we convey our blessings and best wishes on the occasion of May 9, the auspicious day of the victory of the Second World War and the liberation of Shushi.

For us, these feasts have become a symbol of the fight against violence and evil, the desire to build an independent life on the native land, and the victory of the freedom-loving spirit. Throughout history, our Christian people have often been subjected to calamities and tribulations, but with their bright faith and vision of the future, they have risen above the trials and, relying on God, have reaffirmed their determination for a dignified existence and permanence.

We are living hard and difficult days today. Our people of Artsakh, being under siege, are subjected to daily repressions and humiliations. The threats facing Armenia are not less, the borders are even more restless, full of enemy provocations and threats of attacks.

The challenges facing our native country of Armenia and Artsakh have filled the souls of the children of our people, both in the homeland and in the diaspora, with worries and anxieties.

In this painful situation, even when we have lost Shushi and a significant part of the Artsakh world, when we have thousands of victims and wounded, numerous captives and missing, we celebrate this day, convinced that the spirit of our people is strong and unshakable, and unbreakable is the will to live and create, and constant is the dedication to the motherland.

Beloved ones, May 9 is not only the appreciation of the past victory, but also the confirmation of the committed responsibility to build our future victories with faith and unity. "And this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith," affirms the Apostle.

We believe in the God-given power of our people to turn defeat into victory, death into life and pain into joy. We also believe that we should be able to reject fear and skepticism, indifference and adaptability, with the confidence that godliness, patriotism and dignity will prevail and win in national and native life.

Therefore, dear Armenian people, let us live and act with this awareness and consider May 9 not only as a significant date of the Second World War, the heroic battle of Artsakh, the liberation of Shushi, but as a mission, as an effort and will, aimed at creating new victories and achievements. In response to the challenges, it is our duty to be united and make efforts by all possible means for the sake of strengthening our statehood, protecting the sovereignty and interests of Artsakh. Let us remain strong in faith, let's not get discouraged and fall in front of hardships and difficulties, let us keep awake the same brave spirit that was shown by the heroic children of our people in the Great Patriotic War and in the days of the liberation of Shushi.

Let's pray together to our Heavenly Lord and ask Him to bless and under the auspices of His Holy Right to keep Armenia and Artsakh, our homeland, in peace and safety, to strengthen the hope and the spirit of optimism in us, for the sake of the country and for the good and bright future of our people.

May the Lord’s grace, love and peace be with you all. Amen”.