‘We wish for teachers to raise their students as responsible citizens of our state’ — Karekin II

The press service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has published a message from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on the occasion of the Day of Knowledge, Literacy, and Education.

“On the occasion of the Day of Knowledge, Literacy, and Education, we extend our Patriarchal blessing from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and congratulate students, pupils, and all those working in the field of education.

The grace of learning and the openness to knowledge are gifts sent by God, which bear fruit when a person’s life is rooted in faith in God and His sacred teachings. As Scripture teaches: ‘To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight… When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will protect you, understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil…’ (Proverbs 1:2, 2:10–12). Our people have lived with this awareness, with an unwavering love for knowledge in their hearts, through which they have overcome the trials of time and built our rich spiritual heritage.

Dear pupils and students, today marks the beginning of another period of active work, acquiring knowledge, and understanding values—both spiritual and intellectual.

Our fatherly message to you is this: pursue your studies diligently, deepen your love for God and your Homeland, and use the knowledge you gain with a strong sense of national identity for the prosperity and advancement of our people.

We wish teachers strength and energy to guide their students into the wondrous world of science and discovery, to nurture them in the spirit of Saints Sahak and Mesrop, and to raise them as worthy children of our nation and responsible citizens of our state. We pray that the Lord keeps our homeland in peace and protects our people in the Diaspora. May the Lord, through His grace, bless our children with bright souls and sharp minds, and generously reward the efforts of those who have devoted themselves to the mission of education and science,” the message reads.