Catholicos of All Armenians addresses message on Victory and Peace Day

ArmInfo. Today, Armenia and the Armenian people face a severe existential test, reads a message by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on the occasion of Victory and Peace Day.

"Not only with the inspiration of the victorious past and hope for a bright future, but also with difficult feelings, today we celebrate the Day of Victory and Peace, the Day of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the anniversary of the liberation of Shushi and the creation of the Artsakh Defense Army. This year, by symbolic coincidence, our Holy Apostolic Church also celebrates the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the day of remembrance of the restoration of the Patriarchal Throne in Holy Etchmiadzin.  With the coincidence of these important national, state and church holidays, the Victory Cathedral concludes on May 9th. Today our country and people face a severe ontological test. Artsakh, liberated at the cost of endless hardships and sacrifices, is occupied and depopulated, our shrines and graves are abandoned and destroyed. The borders of Armenia are in danger, the lives of our native people are under threat, our peace is lost, our national dignity is wounded," says the Catholicos' address. We are the descendants of our heroic ancestors, whose glorious deeds strengthened and enlightened the nation and Motherland, education, science and culture. In 1441, our fathers moved the Armenian Patriarchal residence to St. Etchmiadzin in order to preserve the cherished dream of restoring the homeland and restoring Armenian statehood," the message reads.

As Karekin II noted, St. Etchmiadzin, founded on Christ, is the spiritual home of all Armenians, the forge of creating an independent Armenian statehood, a symbol of victories and steadfastness of our people, a torchbearer and guardian of our original national identity. "The vision of St. Etchmiadzin continues to be a spiritual potential and a source of victories today. Victory over trials, victory in the struggle for identity and dignity, victory in loyalty to the Motherland and sacred values. Our victories do not bear the imprint of enmity and hatred, the desire to humiliate the dignity of others, trample on sacred sites and destroy identity.  Our victories

strengthen the will and determination to achieve peace, ensure the security of our people and restore national love and solidarity. Our hearts are touched by the same worries and pain that stir the souls of our children around the world. Participants in the civil movement "Tavush for the Motherland" are also raising their voices of protest with these fears. We want the existing problems to be resolved as soon as possible, and for our people to overcome the disasters that have befallen us with honor. Now let us arm ourselves with hope and optimism, not weaken in the face of difficulties, remember the exploits of our ancestors, shake off the destructive feelings of fear and indifference, let us be united and united," the message reads.