The Primate of Artsakh Diocese Issues Statement

The Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, will first visit Yerablur to pay his respects to the memory of the fallen soldiers of the homeland on September 2, and then go to the Artsakh representation to speak and interact with the Armenians who will gather there that day.

“Currently, we are holding an event dedicated to the anniversary of Artsakh's independence in the Artsakh Diocese, and on September 2, we will go to the Artsakh representation. Artsakh's independence has been and will remain a concept achieved through the efforts of a sacred mission. Since the 1980s, our children have fought for that idea and gained independence by building a state. Artsakh's independence is a spiritual treasure for us, around which we need to continuously think about how we can re-evaluate it. All Armenians must unite around that idea. Today, it is also essential that the statehood of Armenia is defended first,” the bishop noted in an interview with 168.am, continuing his thoughts.

“If we lose Artsakh's statehood today, or if it dissolves—even though no one has the legal or moral right to take such a step, as Artsakh gained independence through a popular vote, and the people can decide the fate of the state they created. Artsakh is, in religious terms, the 'cross' of the entire Armenian nation.”

As characterized by His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, those who consider Artsakh a 'headache' and a 'burden' regard Artsakh and its cross as nonsense. Conversely, those who see Artsakh as strength, as those who liberated it—the fighters and rebuilders.

“Now each of us must decide for ourselves—Is Artsakh strength, salvation, or a 'headache'? As a people, we must stand, find our cross, and through it, our national potential. Only by doing so can we become witnesses to that great vision, that as a nation, we must return to the cross with the Lord's support. I repeat, September 2 is very important for us; we must collectively celebrate the day of Artsakh's independence,” concluded the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese.