Concerning Difficult Situation in Armenia's Border Areas - Catholicos

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has sent a message on the occasion of the Day of Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide: “Dear people of Armenia and the diaspora, we again remember with prayer and humility our holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, who steadfastly held onto their faith, love, and dedication to the nation and the homeland, accepting the crown of martyrdom.

The memory of the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide is commemorated in a period when our people face existential new threats and serious security challenges. After the genocidal actions committed in Artsakh and the depopulation of Artsakh, there is a currently concerning and grave situation in Armenia's border areas.

In the light of the memory of the Holy Martyrs, it is our sacred duty to defend the integrity of our homeland, to be zealous in strengthening the independence of the Armenian state, and to preserve the heritage of our ancestors as a sacred relic.

Our people are strong with their heroic past and determination to combat evil and wrongdoing, and with this same spirit, we must eliminate the destructive manifestations that contradict our national interests, find paths to overcome the existing complex situation through united efforts, and build our victorious future.

Dear faithful people, on this sacred day let us pray together for the intercession of our holy martyrs, that under the grace and blessing of the Resurrected Christ, our homeland and nation may be peaceful, secure, and prosperous, and that we may firmly establish our path toward safety and progress with faith and hope.

May the Lord’s love and care be a shelter for our homeland and all our people today and always. Amen.”