This Year We Celebrate the Army Day with the Pain of the Tragic Consequences of War in Our Hearts: Karekin II

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has sent a message on the occasion of the Army Day of the Republic of Armenia: "From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we bring our paternal blessing to the officers and soldiers of our army and to our entire nation on the occasion of Army Day. Throughout the centuries, in the crucible of all our struggles, the Armenian soldier has shown great courage and self-sacrifice, heroically defending the homeland and the native people. In the wars fought for the protection of Artsakh, the courageous commanders and soldiers of the Armenian army, including the brave descendants of national minorities, fought heroically for the homeland with the same fearless spirit, and many dedicated their lives to the love of the fatherland and the nation.

This year, we celebrate Army Day with the pain of the tragic consequences of war in our hearts. Facing the new challenges that have arisen, we believe that our worldwide Armenian nation, with faith in God and in the spirit of our past victories, will achieve new successes and accomplishments, restoring a prosperous and flourishing life in Artsakh and Armenia, also in honor of the memory of our children who gave their lives for the homeland.

We pray to the Almighty God, asking that He keeps our beloved children, the defenders of the homeland, under His care and grants them safe service. May the Lord Almighty extend His blessing and mercy upon our entire people in the homeland and in the diaspora, today and forever. Amen."