ArmInfo. Today, September 2, is the day of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh, which the Armenian people celebrate with the hope of recovery from the losses they have experienced and with faith in God's help. This is stated in the message of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh.
Garegin II recalled that tragic events occurred in 2020-2023 on the eve of the thirtieth anniversary of Artsakh's independence.
"As a result of the war and genocidal actions unleashed by Azerbaijan, the Armenian world of Artsakh was occupied and completely depopulated, thousands of Armenians were killed, numerous shrines were desecrated and destroyed, and to this day, Artsakh's state officials and servicemen continue to remain hostages in Baku. On this sacred day, we bow our heads in memory of our brave sons who gave their lives for the independence of Artsakh and the security of the Armenians of Artsakh. We offer prayers to God, asking for the speedy return of our captive and missing sons, for peace for our country and people," the message of the Catholicos of All Armenians, quoted by his press office, reads.
According to him, Armenia highly appreciates the efforts of all countries and international organizations, which continue to be aimed at overcoming the grave consequences of the tragic war in Artsakh and establishing a stable and lasting peace in the region, excluding threats and coercion.
"The anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh is a memorable occasion to express our people's devotion to the idea of peace, to get rid of conciliatory and defeatist sentiments, in order to overcome with dignity the challenges and trials facing our country. Our Patriarchal call is to increase our efforts, with the support of the international community, to protect the rights of our displaced people of Artsakh, to save the centuries-old Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage from destruction, and to return our children from captivity to their homeland," His Holiness said in his message.
The Catholicos called on the Armenian people to unite for the sake of strengthening and consolidating the Armenian statehood, preserving the inviolability of the territorial integrity of the country. "Let us preserve our Armenian identity and national values in purity, always looking with hope to the blessed future of our lives.
We pray that by the grace of God, justice will be restored, and the children of our people will live in peace and prosperity. May God be the guardian of our country and people in Armenia and in the Diaspora," concluded Garegin II.
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