‘Let 2026 become a year of unity, common struggle, and victory’ – letter from Archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan and Arshak Khachatryan

Archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan and Arshak Khachatryan have sent a letter from the Yerevan-Kentron penitentiary.

“The entire year of 2025 was a period of persecution and trials, the evaluation of which history and future generations will yet provide. But for us, it became an important milestone in life, allowing us to grow stronger, more steadfast, and unshakable in the sense sanctified by the covenant of our Lord. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven… Rejoice and be glad…’ (Matthew 5:10–12). And those who place their hope in the Lord ‘shall inherit the land and the holy mountain’ (Isaiah 57:19).

Let 2026 be a year of unity—of moving from the personal to the collective—with one goal, one vision, one struggle, and one victory. A year blessed with the triumph of Armenia and the Armenian people, of our Holy Church, of justice, truth, and honor. And may ‘the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 15:13), ‘let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light’ (Romans 13:12). Forward to liberation and victory… A Happy New Year and Christmas blessing.

Christ is born and revealed! Blessed is the revelation of Christ!” the letter reads.