CATHOLICOS ARAM I ON THE OCCASION OF ARTSAKH’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Today, with renewed faith and hope, the entire Armenian nation marks the historic event of the proclamation of the Republic of Artsakh’s independence.

Indeed, who does not remember some 35 years ago the heroism of our fighters and the faith and will of the people of Artsakh, forged with the blood of our martyrs, to live free and independent? Who does not recall the collective struggle carried out for years for the consolidation of Artsakh’s statehood, with the active participation of all Armenians? And finally, who does not remember the great achievements accomplished through the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity, all for the same sacred goal: the strengthening of Artsakh’s independence?

Today, in fact, we have lost Artsakh’s independence. Artsakh has been emptied of its Armenian population. Its churches and monasteries, the fruits of its creative spirit, cultural genius, and religious life, together with its historic monuments, have fallen prey to the enemy’s barbaric acts. In other words, Artsakh has been subjected to a systematically planned and executed genocide. This is how one can characterize both the occupation of Artsakh and the forced exile of the Artsakh Armenians, according to the standards of international law.

Yes, we have lost Artsakh today. However, we have not lost, nor shall we ever lose, the hope of restoring Artsakh—with its land, its people, and its right to sovereignty—no matter how unfavorable the circumstances surrounding us may be. History is not a static reality; it is subject to constant change. If today the geopolitical conditions are not favorable for the restoration of Artsakh’s independence, tomorrow those conditions may change radically. We must remain vigilant and steadfast. The Bible tells us: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). We must cling to hope and bind it with the faith of our people and with the firm will to struggle for the attainment of our rights. 

The restoration of Artsakh’s independence is an inseparable part of our people’s sacred cause. Artsakh must not be buried under the dust of history; the faith and will of the Armenians of Artsakh to live in freedom must be transformed into a purposeful, daily struggle.

Today, as we mark the proclamation of Artsakh’s independence—let us remember all our martyrs, known and unknown, who shed their blood for the proclamation and defense of Artsakh’s independence. 

Let us remember all our prisoners, who endure daily suffering in the prisons of Baku, and who served the people of Artsakh with dedication. 

Let us remember our brothers and sisters of Artsakh who were forcibly exiled from their ancestral lands, standing by them in their just struggle to regain their rights. 

To remember means not to forget. Not to forget implies to struggle—for all those sacred values and ideals for which our beloved sons and daughters of Artsakh lived, fought, and gave their lives.

May God keep our people of Artsakh strong under His heavenly protection. 

[Թող Աստուած պահէ ու պահպանէ հայրենի մեր ժողովուրդը եւ Հայաստանի Հանրապետութիւնը] May God keep and preserve our people in the homeland, Republic of Armenia.