Artsakh is not the past, but the historical homeland where Armenians have lived for thousands of years – Karekin II

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II has sent a message on the occasion of Artsakh’s Independence Day.

“September 2 is the Independence Day of Artsakh.

Under the conditions of occupation and displacement of Armenians from Artsakh, we continue to mark this historic day, because Artsakh is not the past, but the historical homeland where the Artsakh Armenians have lived and created for thousands of years, strenuously defended their identity, contribution, and sacred values of their fathers, and cherished their dreams of a bright future.
We continue to celebrate Artsakh’s Independence Day in the same way as we express a just protest against genocide, violence, and hatred against our people. Violence cannot erase human memory and cannot silence the voice of justice. We believe that our historical memory and the exploits of our ancestors will strengthen us, and our people will overcome the catastrophic consequences of the war with faith and hope and, with a patriotic spirit, will strive to realize their national dreams and visions.

The celebration of Artsakh’s Independence Day is another message to our people and the international community, which defends the high values of humanism and makes active efforts to win justice and truth, protect the violated rights of Artsakh Armenians, and preserve the centuries-old Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in Artsakh. On this special day, we offer heartfelt prayers to God for all the brave men who gave their lives for the liberation and protection of Artsakh and also ask for God’s help for the speedy release of the military and political leaders of Artsakh and all our captive sons. May the Lord always keep love and loyalty to our native country in the souls of the sons of our people, spread peace and solace in our lives, and lead our people to bright and victorious milestones,” the message of the Catholicos reads.