Karekin II: Let us arm ourselves with hope and optimism to face the difficulties

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II issued a statement on the occasion of the holiday of Victory and Peace.

“Inspired by the victorious past and hope for a bright future, but also with heavy feelings, today we celebrate the holiday of Victory and Peace, Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the liberation of Shushi and the anniversary of the creation of the Artsakh Defense Army.

Today, our country and people are confronting serious existential threats. Artsakh, which was liberated at the cost of endless hardships and sacrifices, is now occupied and depopulated. Our holy sites and graves are abandoned and destroyed. Armenia’s borders are in danger, and the lives of our people in their homeland are under threat. Our peace is lost, and our national dignity is wounded.

Let us arm ourselves with hope and optimism to face the difficulties. Let us pray together that God grant peace to the whole world, protect our Homeland and nation from new losses and disasters, and grant a safe life and creative success today and always,” His Holiness said in a statement.