2003 - Commemoration Day of the First Armenian Republic

THE MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS ON THE OCCASION OF FIRST REPUBLIC DAY:

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, September 21, 2003

Beloved Armenian People,

With the sacredness of this Independence Day, our souls today are joyful and illuminated, and once again we offer praise up to heaven, that our homeland is free and filled with the hopes of a new life.

Today, once again we are enveloped with the knowledge that the independence of Armenia is a priceless and sacred inheritance bestowed upon us.  Armenian history does not contain even one moment in time while living under foreign rule, when our people have not desired and struggled for the re-establishment of Armenian Independence and Freedom.  Encouraged by this truth and holding the shield of faith in our hearts, let us be loyal to our debt towards the Motherland, so that our children inherit a free, strong and decent Homeland, and celebrate the First Independence Day of Armenia with optimism and happiness.

Glory to the Sons and Daughters of Armenia who created Armenian Independence.

Glory to the Freedom-loving and Peaceful Nation of Armenia.

Glory to our Free Motherland.

Dear Children of Armenia, on the glorious occasion of our First Independence Day, with Pontifical love we greet and send our blessings from the Mother See of All Armenians to you in Armenia and in Dispersion.  May the Lord protect our Homeland and the Armenian People, and grant well-being and prosperity.

May the Grace and Love of God always be with all of us.  Amen.