Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On June 05, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; together with His Grace Bishop Vertanes Abrahamyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh; and Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan, President of Artsakh; accompanied by the Clergy; visited the Gandzasar Monastery.
 
At the entrance of the monastery, the Pontiff of All Armenians was welcomed by Rev. Fr. Archimandrite Sahak Shaqaryan, Abbot of the Monastery; servicemen and residents from adjacent communities.
 
With “Hrashapar” Service, the Ecclesiastical procession led His Holiness to the historical Temple, where the relics of St. John the Baptist are kept; and, a Pontifical Prayer Service was offered, under the presidency of u the Pontiff of All Armenians.
 
Asking for the intercession of the St. John the Baptist, the faithful, together with the Armenian Patriarch, prayed for the steadfastness of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the peace of Armenia and Artsakh Republics, and for the peaceful, secure and harmonious life of the Armenians of Artsakh and all our people.
 
At the end of the service, His Holiness delivered his message to the attendees, conveying the Blessings of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, greetings and best wishes of our people around the world.
 
“Our Lord Jesus Christ, was subjected to sufferings, tribulations and death for the salvation of mankind. Our sons were martyred such as the Christ, sacrificing their lives for the sake of the homeland. We went through war and tribulations. But Our Savior Lord has given us the grace of the resurrection, due to which our people have risen from all the horrors of history and restarted their new life. We believe that the Lord is with us in trials, and the blows of evil will not be able to destroy our hope and will; our power to live and exist; our statehood, forged with the cost of the lives of the sons of our people.
 
Dear children of Artsakh, We are encouraged by you, that despite all the difficulties and hardships, you stand firm on your native land, and forge your new life with unwavering faith and hope. Paul the Apostle says that the heavenly grace increases in weakness to face the difficulties and overcome the trials ( 2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10). We believe that we will overcome this ordeal as well, with national unity and joint efforts. With unwavering will and unity, we must turn the injustice, the new genocidal actions against our nation, the encroachments and destructions of our sanctuaries, monasteries and churches into a national revival and power; ensuring the unstoppable prosperity of Artsakh”, stated His Holiness.
 
The Catholicos of All Armenians also spoke about the constant support of the Armenian Church to Artsakh and its people, the important mission of the chaplains and the clergy serving in the dioceses during the last war; noting that, today, in difficult conditions, the Diocese of Artsakh continues its spiritual care to the Armenians of Artsakh who are facing difficult times and challenges.
 
Addressing the faithful of Artsakh, the Catholicos of All Armenians urged them to stay firm, to keep the faith strong, to be connected to their land and water, in order to arise new life in the native land, and make prosperous with their deeds. “Keep your consciousness and memory strong, that with trust in God, we have risen from the Golgotha of our history; and from the hardships of this war we must rise towards the bright horizons of our lives. This is the message of our martyred heroes who gave their lives for the love of the homeland and the nation”, stressed His Holiness, praying, that the Almighty God extend His Blessings and protection of His Holy Right Hand to our national and patriotic life, and grant us strength and power to face the challenges.
 
His Holiness wished that national unity in the homeland and the Diaspora be fruitful under the God's care, to bring joint efforts in the mission of renewing our life, and protecting our rights.
 
At the conclusion, in the yard of the Gandzasar Monastery, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed His Blessing to the Armenian sons who were in attendance, on this occasion.