Let Us Unite for the Strengthening and Fortification of Our Statehood: Garegin II's Message on the Occasion of Artsakh Independence Day

His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, addressed a message on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh:

“Today is September 2, the day of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh, which we greet with hope for healing from our losses and faith in God's support.

As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of Artsakh's independence, we recall the tragic events that unfolded between 2020 and 2023. Due to the war unleashed by Azerbaijan and its genocidal actions, the Armenian lands of Artsakh have been occupied and entirely ethnically cleansed, thousands of our compatriots lost their lives, and many sacred sites were desecrated and destroyed. To this day, officials and military personnel from Artsakh remain hostages in Baku.

On this sacred day, we bow our heads in reverence to the memory of our brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Artsakh and the safety of the Artsakh Armenians. We lift our prayers to God, seeking the swift return of our captive and missing children, and peace for our country and people.

We highly appreciate the efforts of all countries and international organizations that continue to work towards overcoming the severe consequences of the tragic war in Artsakh and establishing stable and lasting peace in the region, eliminating threats and coercion.

The anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh is a significant occasion to express our people's commitment to the idea of peace, to shake off accommodating and defeatist attitudes, and to overcome the challenges and trials our country faces with dignity.

Our patriarchal exhortation is to multiply our efforts, with the support of the international community, to protect the rights of our displaced people in Artsakh, preserve the ancient spiritual and cultural heritage of the Armenians from destruction, and to bring back our children who are held captive in our homeland.

Let us unite for the strengthening and fortification of our statehood and the preservation of the inviolability of our country’s territorial integrity. Let us maintain our Armenian identity and national values untainted, always looking with hope towards the fruitful future of our life.

We pray that by God's mercy, justice will be restored, and the children of our nation will live in peace and prosperity. May God protect our country and people both in Armenia and in the diaspora. Amen.”