On September 27, 2020, Artsakh was attacked by Azerbaijan, and as a result more than 5000 Armenians were martyred, at least 200 were captured as POWs and hundreds are reported missing until this day, apart from losing our historical lands. This day leaves Armenians around the world in immense agony.

The memory of the fallen heroes and innocent souls was commemorated on Sunday, September 26^th, 2021, following the Divine Liturgy, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, where His Holiness Aram I presided over the requiem service offered for the repose of their souls.   

His Holiness also made a statement on this occasion, later in the day, to Cilicia TV, where he said that Armenians commemorate the 44-day war in Artsakh with a heavy heart. Addressing the parents of the martyrs, he reassured that their children gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the motherland and are worthy of our pride. He added that, the martyrs expect us to continue defending our lands with faith and dedication, against the enemy. He concluded underlining that the centuries-old Armenian nation has proven time and time again that thanks to its martyrs it can only grow stronger.