May 9 Celebrations in Artsakh Start with a Procession

Events in Artsakh dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, the liberation of Shushi, and the formation of the Artsakh Defense Army began with a procession accompanied by the Holy Cross of King Ashot Yerkat and the Cross of St. Gregory the Illuminator, which were brought to Artsakh for this occasion. According to Armenpress, on May 8, the bells of all churches rang for 2 minutes following the evening service in all churches of Artsakh.

A memorial service was conducted at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Stepanakert to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Artsakh War. Subsequently, the procession commenced from the churchyard, joined by Artsakh officials, military personnel, and hundreds of locals, heading towards the city memorial complex of Stepanakert.

At the city memorial complex, under the leadership of Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, the head of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Artsakh, a prayer was held for all the victims of the Artsakh War. According to the bishop, these days should not only be a time for remembrance but also a source of hope for the future.

“During these days, living in Artsakh and the Motherland, we see that our souls and minds are turbulent. We must calm ourselves and, with a peaceful spirit, secure our peace for tomorrow by having God within us. Therefore, living in these times, we should be united around a single idea that contributes to the preservation of our nation,” said Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan.

The procession was also attended by Gagik Bagunts, Deputy Speaker of the Artsakh National Assembly, members of parliament, Foreign Minister David Babayan, and other government officials.