Bishop Bagrat and Bishop Arshak Send Message from Detention Center

As we entered the year 2026, we celebrate the Great Council of Christmas and Theophany with light in our eyes and hope in our hearts, faith in our experiences, and love in our feelings. This was written from the detention center by Bishop Bagrat and Bishop Arshak.

“We send our love, strength, enthusiasm, and wishes for the realization of the will for restoration and victory to our beloved and cherished people who are imprisoned away from our freedom, wishing and praying that through the miracle of the Birth of the Son of God, the vision of new life and Spiritual Armenia shall prevail in this victorious year of 2026, removing all manifestations of evil from our lives - lies, deceit, hatred, enmity, defeat, fear, denial, treachery, a treasonous spirit, injustice, and establishing in our lives truth, justice, freedom, honor, loyalty, dedication, courage, peace, love, and victory - all that belongs to God and is good.

The entire year of 2025 was a period of persecution and difficulties, the evaluation of which will be given by history and generations, yet for us, it became a significant moment to strengthen, empower, and become resolute in life, which is blessed by our Lord’s message: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven... rejoice and be glad...” (Matthew 5:11-12). And those who have placed their hope in the Lord “will inherit the earth and possess the holy mountain” (Isaiah 57:19).

Let 2026 be a year of unification, from the personal to the collective, with one goal, one vision, one struggle, and one victory blessed by the victory of Armenia and the Armenian people, our Holy Church, justice, truth, and honor. May through His Holy Birth, “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13), and “let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12)... Towards Liberation and Victory... Happy New Year and Holy Christmas Blessing.

Christ is born and revealed. Blessed is the Revelation of Christ,” the message concludes.