On 12 February 2015, at the Feast of the Vartanantz Heroes, the dean of the seminary, Rev. Torkom Donoyan, celebrated the Holy Liturgy, presided over by His Holiness Aram I. In his sermon, Rev. Torkom spoke of the urgency of national unity and the importance of Christian faith in shaping the struggle of Armenians for justice.

After the Holy Liturgy, the clergy and faithful went to the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. Catholicos Aram I gave his message, followed by a cultural celebration with spiritual hymns and poetry prepared by the seminarians.

In his message, the Catholicos quoted the commanding general of the Vatananz battle, Vartan Mamigonian, who said, “we cannot remain indifferent to external pressures that force us to give up our independence and freedom.” The Catholicos continued and said that this same spirit that guides the people of Karabagh in their struggle today. After greeting the people of Karabagh for their commitment, he blessed the faithful; the celebration ended with the singing of the ‘Cilicia’ anthem.