On Thursday, September 21st, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic of Armenia, marking the 32nd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s re-independence, along with prayers of solidarity with Artsakh at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. His Holiness blessed the Armenian and Artsakh flags at the end of the ceremony, followed by his pontifical address.
His Holiness expressed deep sorrow at celebrating Armenia’s Independence Day amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh. Despite diplomatic efforts, international condemnations, and appeals, Azerbaijan’s provocations and genocidal actions against Artsakh, with support from Turkey and Israel, have persisted. His Holiness urged Armenians to stay vigilant. He concluded by calling for unity and collective efforts to safeguard the present and future of Artsakh during these challenging times.
