Message of Support from the Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh to the Members of the Brotherhood
On March 30, His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh of the Armenian Apostolic Church, met with the members of the Church-Loving Brotherhood of the Diocese of Artsakh. For years, the Brotherhood has implemented numerous programs in Artsakh, aimed at bringing the Armenian people of Artsakh closer to the Mother Church, making them partakers of the Church’s sacraments, and guiding them toward repentance by explaining God’s plan of salvation.
As a result of the one-day war on September 19, 2023, the Armenians of Artsakh were forcibly displaced. Bereft of their homeland and sacred sites, the people of Artsakh are striving to regain their sense of belonging. The faithful have gathered around the Church in unity to offer prayers to God. Following the forced displacement, the members of the Church-Loving Brotherhood of the Diocese of Artsakh immediately came together and, through the efforts of the Brotherhood’s leader, Armen Maghakelyan, continued to meet regularly, pray, and study the Holy Bible—keeping alive their dream and hope of returning to Artsakh.
At the invitation of the leader of the Brotherhood, Mr. Armen Maghakelyan, His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan conveyed his blessing and words of support to the members of the Brotherhood. In a warm and heartfelt atmosphere, the Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh addressed the vital issues concerning the people of Artsakh and their collective right to return. Today, the people of Artsakh have not only been deprived of the right to live in their homeland but also of their historical and cultural heritage and sacred sites, which are being systematically destroyed by the enemy.
The Bishop urged the faithful not to lose hope, to remain steadfast, and to stay in Mother Armenia. His visit coincided with the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent—“The Sunday of the Judge.” On this occasion, he reflected on the Parable of the Unjust Judge and the Persistent Widow, exhorting the faithful to follow the widow’s example—persistently and ceaselessly beseeching God for mercy and the restoration of their rights.
