Press conference with Primate of Artsakh Diocese

Today, at the initiative of the “Artsakh” press club, a press conference was organized with the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan. During the press conference, the Primate touched upon 3 important issues related to Artsakh.

The first important issue concerned the preservation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage occupied by the Azerbaijani armed forces. The Primate of Artsakh diocese noted the efforts of the authorities of Artsakh and the Church to prevent the atrocities of the enemy. In this matter, he especially noted the enormous work of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, under whose leadership an institution for the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh was created in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. However, Azerbaijan continues its destructive policy. According to Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, the manuscript of Azerbaijan has changed - it has become even worse.

The next question was about the connection between Artsakh and Armenia, why did this connection weaken after the war? The Primate of the diocese replied that the Armenian authorities did not want to take any steps to benefit Artsakh. In such an uneasy situation, it is difficult to imagine Artsakh without its Mother Armenia, without maintaining this connection, but, unfortunately, we do not receive a positive answer.

His Grace noted that a week before the feast of Resurrection of Crist, the Artsakh diocese called for a joint prayer, which had one important goal - to unite the Armenian people and accept God within. Bishop Vrtanes noted the importance of 3 main factors for the preservation of the existence and statehood of Artsakh: unite nationwide, take a step towards Artsakh, implement pan-Armenian programs in Artsakh. He noted the importance of the presence of every Armenian in Artsakh because by living in Artsakh we revive our homeland.

The third question concerned the provision of spiritual life in Artsakh. The Primate of the diocese mentioned the activities of the Artsakh diocese to intensify spiritual life. His Grace emphasized the programs implemented by the Artsakh Diocese, in particular, the opening of new parishes, the organization of pilgrimages, and the opening of Sunday schools. Further tasks and plans of the Artsakh diocese were also discussed.

Summarizing his speech, His Grace stressed how important it is now to be close to Artsakh, to preserve it at all cost, because if statehood is lost, not a single Armenian will remain in Artsakh.