Catholicos: Unity and love for homeland key to our greatest victories

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, issued a message on Victory and Peace Day marked on May 9. His full message is provided below.

“Beloved faithful in the Homeland and throughout the Diaspora,

We commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, the anniversaries of the liberation of Shushi and the founding of the Defense Army of Artsakh—remembrances that are significant to our people. 

Every victory is achieved through faith, unyielding struggle, and the endurance of trials. Throughout the centuries, our people have fought selflessly for a life of independence and dignity, ever striving for the triumph of justice and peace. With this spirit, hundreds of thousands of Armenians, alongside the other peoples of the Soviet Union,  fought against fascism, for the sake of a safe and prosperous world. With the same conviction, our nation has defended the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to live freely and securely on their ancestral homeland.

Beloved,

Even today, in the face of the calamities that have befallen our nation and homeland, particularly the depopulation of Artsakh and the challenges confronting Armenia, we are called to remain steadfast: with the courage of our spirit, the strength of our faith, and the vision of a bright future. Let us never forget that our most significant victories have been won through unity, love for our homeland, and devoted service.

Therefore, bowing before the undying memory of our heroes, let their shining example inspire us. And with united effort and mutual support, let us cultivate the field of our national life with new achievements and works that serve the good of our people.

On the occasion of the Day of Victory and Peace, we convey our Patriarchal love, blessings, and heartfelt felicitations to the valiant veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the brave defenders who fought in the Artsakh War, and to all our people around the world.

We lift our prayers for the peace of the world, and for the secure, safe, and prosperous life of our homeland and people, beseeching the Almighty that the dreadful manifestations of fascism, the horrors of war, and every form of calamity may never again find a place in human life. May the grace and blessings of our Risen Lord be with us now and always, unto the ages of ages. Amen.”