His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, greeted Armenian Independence Day—September 21, 2021—during a special ceremony at the St. Gayane Monastery of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The liturgy marked the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence. Led by His Holiness, clergy and worshippers raised their voices in prayer to God for the unity of the motherland, and for its peaceful and secure future.
To conclude the service, the Catholicos of All Armenians delivered a poignant message directed at the Armenian people in the homeland and throughout the world: a call to unity and common aspiration in ensuring a peaceful, secure future for Armenia and all her people.
Acknowledging the obstacles and trials that have beset the Armenian republic over the past three decades—culminating in the “catastrophic war” unleashed against Artsakh by Azerbaijan, which began one year ago—the Catholicos called on the faithful to lift their eyes to perceive the greater purpose of an independent homeland.
“The independence of our native country is a gift of the greatest value,” he affirmed. “Over the centuries, the Armenian Church has always kept the idea of independence awake in the souls of its children: blessing our struggles for freedom, putting everything possible into the establishment and progress of our modern independent homeland.”
He continued: “The deepest meaning of this 30th anniversary of independence is to rebuild a progressive, prosperous country, in a spirit of love and unity…. In the process of this sacred mission, we must overcome every internal and external challenge, because our independent state is the strongest anchor and guarantee of our existence and being.”
An English translation of the entire message follows below. Click here to view photos.
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The Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
On the 30th Anniversary of Armenia’s Independence
Beloved people in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora:
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of our independent statehood. Three decades ago, our people, with a united will, chose the path of rebuilding our national independence, to fulfill our centuries-old desire and dream with enthusiasm and inspiration. Our people have traversed a difficult path of state-building, facing many challenges and making great sacrifices. Alongside glorious victories, successes and achievements, we also had omissions and wrong processes, both in the homeland and in the international arena.
Last year our nation was subjected to a new trial, when Azerbaijan again unleashed a war against the Republic of Artsakh. The worst consequences of that catastrophic war, the wounds that bleed every day, have created a completely new situation in the life of our people. In our hearts is the deep pain of our losses—our fallen martyrs, captives and the missing—as well as the anxiety of uncertainty about the future. But we also hold a firm determination to stand up again, to shake off the disasters and troubles that have befallen us, and to ensure conditions for our people to live safely and prosperously in Artsakh and Armenia.
The independence of our native country is a gift of the greatest value,” he affirmed. “Over the centuries, the Armenian Church has always kept the idea of independence awake in the souls of its children: blessing our struggles for freedom, putting everything possible into the establishment and progress of our modern independent homeland. The church will continue its activity in this sacred mission.
The deepest meaning of this 30th anniversary of independence is to rebuild a progressive, prosperous country, in a spirit of love and unity. Today, alas, we often see intolerance instead of solidarity and dialogue. The problems facing our country and people demand unity, collaboration, and implementation of like-minded goals. We must defend and preserve our independence—which was won at a high price—with national unity. In the process of this sacred mission, we must overcome every internal and external challenge, because our independent state is the strongest anchor and guarantee of our existence and being.
On the occasion of Independence Day, we extend our pontifical blessings on all our people, urging them to stand firm in the faith, to walk in God’s commandments, to unite around the homeland, and fulfill our vivid national desires with patriotic, fraternal love.
It is our pontifical prayer that Almighty God will keep our homeland and the world at peace, and will grant a prosperous and secure life for the children of my nation, today and always. Amen.
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
September 21, 2021