My Request to Our Countrymen: Call Your Relatives and Friends Living in Artsakh – Bishop Vrtanes Abgarian

Everyone is well aware of the situation in Artsakh. Indeed, we are in quite a difficult state whereby Azerbaijan is gradually tightening the noose. In this situation, those who are strong-willed can assess the situation correctly and not be broken. However, naturally, after more than six months of blockade, not everyone can always think rationally; there are those who are spiritually weak. Therefore, it is imperative that our compatriots living in Armenia and the Diaspora do not remain indifferent during this difficult period and show that they stand by their brothers and sisters in Artsakh.

Bishop Vrtanes Abgarian, the head of the Artsakh Diocese, stated this in an interview with Factinfo. “My request is that our compatriots in Armenia and the Diaspora pick up their phones and call their relatives, acquaintances, and friends living in Artsakh. People feel a great need for that attention and response. When intellectuals and respected, recognized figures in society raise alarms about the situation of the Armenians in Artsakh, those living here feel comforted, somewhat consoled, but when they take a break and show indifference, people become depressed, thinking they have been left alone... Even I feel uplifted when I receive calls from various places,” says the Bishop.

The passive approach of our actions in the face of Azerbaijan's aggressive and well-planned anti-Armenian policy is deemed unacceptable by the Diocese leader. He points out that one of the reasons for the increasing aggression from the enemy is Armenia’s failure to stand behind Artsakh, observing with sorrow that we are heading down a wrong path. “We seriously need to consider what challenges we are facing. Azerbaijan does whatever it wants, and we have been in a subordinate role all this time; we provide half-hearted responses, whereas we should have taken the initiative long ago and become the ones to dictate our terms. How long can we remain in a subordinate state? Ultimately, isn’t it necessary to show that the Armenian people have potential and that Armenia stands by Artsakh? This is an issue that should set aside party viewpoints and unite us. I see no other way out of this crisis. Only by ending division can we save Artsakh,” emphasizes the Bishop, adding that both the government and opposition must unite around the idea of saving Artsakh as soon as possible.

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