Message from the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese on the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh
"The secret of happiness lies in independence,
And the secret of independence lies in courage."
— Thucydides, Ancient Greek historian (5th century BC)
“Dear compatriots!
This beautiful affirmation about independence is more relevant today than ever for every conscious Armenian. It was on this very day, 32 years ago, that the Declaration of Independence of the people of Artsakh was born on the path toward this God-given happiness. And it was born because there was sufficient courage. Through the collective will of Armenians, the heavy chains of decades were broken, and the long-repressed and compressed desire for freedom within the souls of the people of Artsakh erupted, finding its rightful expression: Artsakh is now independent. The Declaration of Independence spread like good news from the heights of Artsakh, entering every Armenian home in Armenia and the diaspora.
It is an unchanging law of life that nothing good or valuable comes easily. Indeed, we succeeded in securing the priceless treasure of a free and independent Artsakh through blood and sweat. However, we faltered in consistently safeguarding and nurturing this treasure. We failed to fully grasp the simple truth that independence has both visible and invisible aspects. While we succeeded to some extent in achieving external, physical independence, we regretfully cannot say the same about internal independence. We gained independence from the enemy but remained dependent on our harmful desires. Christianity teaches us that we must first establish independence and peace within ourselves, and only then around us. Throughout history, the freedom gained by many nations through force has been lost due to internal divisions and a materialistic way of life.
Artsakh is not merely a piece of land; it is a sacred homeland, an inherited treasure. Today, as a nation, we face a serious trial, and the loss of Artsakh will not only be a loss for the people of Artsakh but will also become a source of shame and reproach for the entire Armenian nation. Jesus Christ says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Is the heart of the Armenian nation truly in Artsakh today?
Recognizing this bitter reality, our Church's Supreme Spiritual Council issued a clear assessment of the prevailing dire situation and a call to our nation yesterday, stating: “The rhetoric and actions adopted by the Azerbaijani authorities clearly demonstrate their official policy to not only seize the territory of the Republic of Artsakh but also to occupy the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia, erasing traces of ethnic Armenian identity and heritage, with the aim of dismantling Armenian statehood. Faced with the complex and dangerous developments, the inadequate responses and behavior of the Armenian authorities are deeply concerning. Particularly unacceptable is their position on recognizing Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan, which lacks moral, legal, and security justifications and utterly fails to align with the collective expectations and national interests of our people. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia are non-negotiable, and the right to self-determination exercised by the people of Artsakh through a referendum is indisputable.”
Faced with the complex and dangerous developments, the inadequate responses and behavior of the Armenian authorities are deeply concerning. Particularly unacceptable is their position on recognizing Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan, which lacks moral, legal, and security justifications and utterly fails to align with the collective expectations and national interests of our people. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia are non-negotiable, and the right to self-determination exercised by the people of Artsakh through a referendum is indisputable.”
Dark clouds still loom around us, and the blockade continues to tighten. On this day of remembrance of independence, it becomes even more evident that the ultimate victory of Artsakh's just cause lies in the unity of all Armenians. It is time, after all these trials, to understand that we are not separate “patches” of a nation—Armenians from Armenia, Artsakh, or the diaspora. We are one nation, wherever we are, no matter the geographical location.
Dear Compatriots, regardless of the hardships we endure and the uncertainty about the future, I congratulate all of us on this significant day—the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh—because it is an undeniable value. The Gospel also reminds us: “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Matthew 13:12). Those who can preserve and cherish what they have been given will receive more, while those who cannot, even what they have will be taken away. Let us, as a nation, avoid being subjected to the negative side of this biblical truth. Let us value what we have, overcome indifference and self-centeredness, so that we may also achieve national independence. May God strengthen Artsakh and the entire Armenian people.
