Each year on May 28, Armenians around the world honor the anniversary of the Battle of Sardarabad and the establishment of the First Armenian Republic (1918-1920). This week marks 102 years since those fateful events.
In the depths of the Armenian Genocide, Ottoman forces advanced on Eastern Armenia—coming within striking distance of the capital city Yerevan and Holy Etchmiadzin—but were repelled by the native Armenians in a series of battles at Sardarabad, Abaran, and Karakilisa—which have come to be known as the “Heroic Battles of May.”
In an encyclical honoring “First Republic Day,” His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, paid tribute to the divine spirit of unity animating the Armenian people in their life-or-death struggle to defend the remnant of their ancient homeland.
“On this cherished day we turn our gaze to the Sardarapat Memorial: the glorification of the freedom-loving, heroic struggle of our people; the celebrated victory achieved in the heroic battles of May at the sacrifice of the selfless struggle of the Armenian army, soldiers as well as clergies. We pay tribute to the Armenian Pontiff Kevork V, of blessed memory, who fortified the spirit of the brave Armenians with his valiant outlook and inspiring words; who played an undeniable role in the enlightened task of achieving victories. Defending the homeland during the heroic battles of May, with their utmost effort, our people restored our national statehood after a long wait. They devoted all their efforts, and the lives of their children, to fulfill the right to live freely in their ancient cradle with the vision of peaceful progress.”
The Catholicos added, with a nod to the current circumstances in Armenia and throughout the world: “We are confident, that our people, who have overcome many harsh days, will overcome the current challenges facing our nation and country with a patriotic spirit and united effort, holding high the flag of independent statehood, faithful to Christian values, and the sacred faith of our fathers towards God.”
Click on the links read His Holiness’ message in Armenian, and to learn more about the Battle of Sardarabad.