His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of Independence Day, emphasizing the significance of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Armenian statehood. The Supreme Patriarch extended his blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to the Armenian people living in the homeland and in the Diaspora, noting that the country has faced numerous trials over the past years. Despite the difficulties and great sacrifices, the Armenian people have never been discouraged and have continued the sacred mission of nation-building, dedicating their potential to national awakening.
Today's holiday serves as an important occasion to re-evaluate the path taken, as national cohesion has become an imperative in the current challenging circumstances. The Catholicos urged unity and steadfastness around the homeland in order to effectively face existing internal and external threats. He stressed the need to build up the country with total dedication and to protect, with a sense of responsibility, the people's right to live freely and safely on their own land.
The patriarchal message highlights the necessity of remaining faithful to national and spiritual values, which are the essential foundation for building a just and harmonious society. Only by preserving hope, faith, and love will it be possible to ensure a bright future for our country. The message concludes with a prayer for God to keep the homeland in peace, guide the people with His wisdom, and grant them progress and a prosperous life.
This message from Karegin II is not only a congratulatory note for the state holiday but also a call for national consolidation against the backdrop of current volatile geopolitical developments. The 35-year history of statehood, to which the Supreme Patriarch referred, has been filled with both achievements and painful losses.
It is clear that the Church emphasizes spiritual values, viewing them as a pillar for the preservation of statehood. From this perspective, the issue of security transcends the purely military domain and takes on a national-ideological hue.
