His Holiness Catholicos Aram I today called for a global mobilization of Armenians for the salvation of Armenia and Artsakh during a prayer at the Holy See on Thursday, September 21, on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the new period of independence of Armenia and in support of Artsakh.
The Catholicos blessed the flags of Armenia and Artsakh at the end of the ceremony, following which he delivered his patriarchal message.
“We celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia in alarming conditions,” he said. “After many months of hunger and suffering, today Artsakh is on the verge of death.”
Contrary to the concessions made, the negotiations we conducted, the statements issued, the condemnations that have been proclaimed, the appeals to the international community, Azerbaijan gradually increased its provocations and continued the genocide against Artsakh, once again with the support of Turkey and Israel, His Holiness said. He added that the international community limited itself to issuing appeals and expressing solidarity. “We are actually defenseless and alone,” he said. “Provocations, threats, bombings, and attacks against our people can no longer be tolerated.”
It is no longer possible to put up with these impositions anymore, the Catholicos said. “Protecting the security and rights of the people of Artsakh is an obligation of the international community and also, and especially, a priority for our nation,” he added. “If today we cannot save Artsakh, which is on the verge of being lost forever, tomorrow Armenia may find itself in a similar situation.” He urged Armenians to be alert and far-sighted, because none of the military and political measures taken by Azerbaijan are accidental.
At the end of his message, His Holiness called for the mobilization of all Armenians. “Today is not the time to criticize the past and the present,” he said. “Today is the time to save the present of Artsakh and the future of Armenia. Let’s unite around this sacred vision and commitment to our nation with all its potential.”
“Let us trust in our own strength,” he concluded. “The strength of our nation lies in its collective faith, determination and unity. We have no other way before us. Let’s walk together on this road, strengthened by renewed faith and luminous hope.”