Catholicos urges Armenians to unite, defend Artsakh’s legacy

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II stated in his address marking the anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh’s independence that the occasion should be a call to reject complacency and defeatism.

He urged greater efforts—supported by the international community—to protect the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians, safeguard Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage from destruction, and secure the return of captives.

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

In the years leading up to the 30th anniversary of Artsakh’s independence, from 2020 to 2023, tragic events unfolded. Due to Azerbaijan’s war and genocidal actions, the Armenian land of Artsakh was occupied and completely depopulated. Thousands of Armenians perished; countless sacred sites were desecrated and destroyed; and to this day, state and military figures from Artsakh remain hostages in Baku.

On this sacred day, we bow before the memory of those brave souls who gave their lives for Artsakh’s independence and security.

We offer prayers to God for the swift return of our captives and missing, and for peace in our country and among our people.

We value the efforts of countries and international organizations working to overcome the consequences of Artsakh’s tragic war and to establish stable, lasting peace in the region—free of threats and coercion.

The anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh is a powerful reminder of our people’s devotion to peace. It is also an opportunity to cast off defeatist attitudes and to face our country’s challenges with dignity and strength.

We urge everyone to redouble their efforts—together with the support of the international community—to protect the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians, preserve centuries-old Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage, and ensure the return of our captive children to their homeland.

Let us unite to strengthen our statehood and protect the inviolability of our territorial integrity. Let us preserve our Armenian identity and national values, keeping our hopes firmly fixed on a future blessed with life.

We pray that God, in His mercy, restores justice and grants our people a life of peace and prosperity. May God protect our homeland and our people—in Armenia and in the diaspora. Amen,” the message reads.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military assault on Artsakh, placing the entire region under heavy artillery fire. One day later, on September 20, Artsakh’s leadership accepted the ceasefire proposal from the Russian peacekeeping command, agreeing to Baku’s terms — disarmament of the Defense Army and dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh. From September 24, forced deportations of Artsakh Armenians began, displacing over 100,000 people to Armenia. According to some reports, only about 20 Armenians remain in Artsakh. On September 28, Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree dissolving the Republic, effective January 1, 2024.