In the wake of a cruel attack on Artsakh, His Holiness Karekin II issued a solemn prayer for the protection of our homeland. The Eastern Diocese stands with him and our homeland in this urgent time.
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Our Beloved Armenian Sons,
Early this morning, the Azerbaijani armed forces violating the ceasefire, treacherously attacked along the entire line of contact, shelling peaceful settlements in Artsakh, including the capital Stepanakert.
Our Homeland, Artsakh, calls on all of us to defend the rights of our nation, our sacred land, our future and our national dignity.
We call on our people to unite and all the political forces to subordinate the contradictions for the sake of the defense needs of the Homeland.
At the moment, being on a visit to Italy, during which we were to meet with our Beloved Brother, His Holiness Pope Francis, we interrupt our visit and return to the Homeland
immediately.
May God protect the land of Artsakh and support our brave soldiers and commanders.
His Holiness Karekin II
Catholicos of All Armenian
September 27, 2020