The 22nd anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II

November 4 marks the 22nd anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II.

More than five of the seven decades of His Holiness's life were years of complete devotion to the Armenian Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. As a result of His renounced service and diligent activity, His Holiness was able to win the love and trust of the people and to ascend the throne of the Catholicos of All Armenians under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These 22 years of patriarchal service have been honored with many patriotic and pious deeds and to this day, on the throne of the Illuminator, He continues to lead the Ship of Armenian faith to the peaceful port of Light with unconditional devotion.

On behalf of all the clergy of the Artsakh diocese and our faithful sons, we bring sincere congratulations and best wishes to His Holiness on this joyful day. Artsakh has always been and remains the focus of His Holiness's attention. In this last struggle for survival, we all felt the compassionate and caring presence of His Holiness both during the war and during the difficult post-war period, which became a great source of hope and strength for us.

Therefore, today we express our humility and sincere gratitude to the entire people of Artsakh. We pray that the Almighty Lord would keep and strengthen His Holiness with His all-protecting Holy Hand and that He would continue His sacred mission as a worthy throne-bearer of the Illuminator.