More Than Ever, Our Homeland Needs the Unconditional Commitment of Each One of Us, Says Catholicos

The Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, has called upon the people: "Dear faithful people, we bring you the divine blessing of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Our Patriarchal love and prayers.

These are decisive days for our homeland. We are engaged in a fight for life and death for the right of our people in Artsakh to live freely and independently. Azerbaijan, disregarding the ceasefire agreement, continues its military operations against the Republic of Artsakh, shelling peaceful settlements and the population, our monuments and holy sites, including the Holy Savior Church of Ghazanchetsots in Shushi. The border areas of the Republic of Armenia have also been targeted.

This behavior by Azerbaijan demonstrates its genocidal policy, aimed at displacing and annihilating the people of Artsakh while failing the negotiations. Security guarantees for Artsakh cannot and will not exist within Azerbaijan. War is not our people's choice; we are compelled to self-defense as the only means to preserve our life, freedom, and dignity against violence and brute force.

We appeal to all states that value human life, peace, and justice, particularly to the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, to take more decisive steps to prevent the atrocities and genocidal actions perpetrated by Azerbaijan, directly involving Turkey and mercenary terrorists, to force an end to the war and pursue a resolution to the issue through negotiations.

The secure life of the people of Artsakh, the establishment of stable peace in Artsakh is vital and imperative to prevent destruction and humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

We urge our compatriots in the homeland and the diaspora: dear ones, more than ever, our homeland needs the unconditional commitment of each one of us, the unification of all Armenians, and the victorious determination to defend Artsakh, in this sacred struggle for justice for our people.

Let us be united and steadfast, continue our support for Artsakh, and strive for the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh, so that inspired by the spirit of our heroic ancestors, we restore peace on the borders of our homeland with glorious victory and ensure a secure and creative life for Armenia and Artsakh.

Dear soldiers and officers of the glorious Armenian army, with special appreciation and a grateful heart, we bring you Our Patriarchal blessing. Every day in heavy battles, you perform heroism in defending our homeland and the right of our people to live freely.

Every nation should take pride in devoted and worthy children like you. You are the pride of our nation, the guarantors of our statehood, of free Armenia, free Artsakh, and of our just aspirations.

During this struggle, you have also lost comrades in arms who fell heroically and inherited the undying crown of martyrdom. Before the bright memory of our new martyrs, let your vow be firm to keep the victorious spirit of patriotism unshakable and to defend the homeland.

By your selfless devotion and service, our entire people has stood up across the world and is raising its voice for the rights and victory of Artsakh. We believe that "The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace" (Psalm 29:11). And with that victorious faith, we ask the Almighty to keep you safe and protect you, dear soldiers and officers, conscripts and volunteers, to arm you with His spiritual weapon and strengthen your arm's power to establish lasting peace in our homeland and in the life of our people.

We pray for you. God be your helper and support, God be your helper and support to Armenia and Artsakh, our native land and our people. Amen.