Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On November 09, in the St. Gayane Monastery, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a Repose of Souls Service was offered in memory of the Armenian sons martyred in the 44-day War of Artsakh.

The Divine Liturgy was attended by the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Before the Requiem Service, His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan and Chairman of the Monastic Council of the Mother See, asked the clergy and the faithful to pray for the peace of the souls of the brave sons martyred in the war.

In the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians; delivered His speech to those present and to all Armenian people:

“Dear Pious People,

Last year, our national life was shaken and disrupted by the tragic events of the large-scale war waged by Azerbaijan against the Artsakh Republic, with the support of Turkey and the involvement of terrorist groups. Since that time, the hearts of our people continue to grieve over the martyrdom of so many of our children, the loss of much of our homeland, and the grief and sorrow of new victims in the post-war period.

One year ago on this day, on November 09, thanks to the efforts of the international community, principally the authorities of the Russian Federation, it was possible to halt Azerbaijan’s aggression, the consequences of which posed serious security, economic, and social challenges to our people.

The way to solve the problems now facing us is to alleviate the sorrow and disappointment that have befallen us. It is our sacred duty to face the severe trials of our time with dignity. As children of our homeland, we must sustain our love and devotion for the homeland, uphold our national values, contribute to the progress of Armenia and Artsakh—and strengthen the zeal of all our people around the world. The current difficult situation makes it imperative that all the children of our people—all of our authorities, and social and political structures—should unite around the highest national interests: to create a healthy atmosphere of national solidarity, trust, and committed cooperation, while addressing the country’s challenges through dialogue. Only in this way, can we bind our wounds, and turn pain into strength. To preserve the vitality of our nation we should implement patriotic initiatives and programs, create dignified living conditions in the homeland, encourage adoption, prevent emigration, keep the Diaspora strong and vibrant, revive our state through joint economic efforts, and pursue the development of science, education and culture.

Our Holy Church will continue its daily mission of salvation in Armenia, Artsakh, and our Diaspora communities, to strengthen the faith and optimistic spirit of the Armenian sons toward the future; to promote among our dioceses and pious children an abiding love for our homeland; to heal our country’s wounds, and strengthen a spirit of peace and brotherhood. As the Apostle says: “Let us pursue what makes for peace and for the building up of one another” (Rom 14:19). Indeed, peace will be established in the homeland, and efforts to build a bright future will be fruitful, when hatred and intolerance are rejected from national life.

Today, from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Sprirtual Center of All Armenians; together with the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, the Brotherhood of the Mother See, and our faithful people, unite in prayer for the peace and stability of our homeland, Armenia and Artsakh. We pray to the Most High Lord for the heroes who fell in defense of the homeland: that God in His mercy may grant peace to their souls in the blissful precincts of heaven; that He will bring consolation to their bereaved families, and a speedy return of the captives and the missing.

We ask for the Lord’s help and His protective Right Hand over our children living in the homeland and all over the world.

May the grace and Blessings of the Lord be with our country and our people, now and always. Amen”.