Message of His Holiness Karekin II

Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on the Occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh

Today is September 2, the Day of Independence of the Republic of Artsakh, which we observe with hope to console our losses and with faith in God’s support.

As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of Artsakh’s independence, we remember the tragic events that deeply shook our people, resulting in the displacement and suffering of our people. As a result of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan and its genocidal actions, Armenian Artsakh has been occupied, and its Armenian population forcibly expelled from their millennia-old homeland. Thousands of our sons gave their lives for the Motherland, and numerous sacred sites were desecrated and destroyed. To this day, state officials and military personnel of Artsakh remain held hostage in Baku.

Today, we honor our courageous warriors, who gave the most precious gift—their very lives for the independence of Artsakh and the security of its people.

We lift fervent prayers to Almighty God, beseeching the swift return of all our prisoners and those who remain missing, and for lasting peace in our country.

We appreciate the steadfast efforts of all nations and international organizations dedicated to alleviating the grievous consequences of the tragic war in Artsakh and continue to strive for a stable and enduring peace in the region, free from threats and coercion.

The anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh’s independence is a memorable occasion to express our people’s dedication to the idea of peace and to reject submissive or defeatist attitudes, enabling us to face the challenges and trials confronting our country with dignity and resolve.

Our patriarchal exhortation is to redouble our efforts, with the support of the international community, to defend the rights of displaced people of Artsakh, to protect centuries-old Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage from destruction, and to secure the return of our children held captive.

Let us unite in strengthening and consolidating our statehood, in safeguarding the inviolability and integrity of our homeland. Let us preserve the enduring essence of our Armenian identity and the authenticity of our national values, always looking with hope toward a life-giving future.

We pray that, by God’s mercy, justice will be restored, and that the children of our nation may live in peace and prosperity. May God protect our country and our people, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora. Amen.