“STRENGTHENING ARMENIA IS OUR DUTY”: CATHOLICOS ARAM I’S INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE

For any nation, independence is a sacred value and right, and at the same time, the preservation of that independence in health and strength is a solemn obligation. This has always been the case for our people, who have restored their independence under the most adverse conditions of history. So it was with the rebirth of the independence of the Republic of Armenia on May 28. Independence is built upon immense sacrifice and collective commitment, and, when necessary, through sacrifice. 

The independence of May 28 was never merely a memory of the past for our people, but a lasting reminder and a daily concern: to have once again a free, independent, and united Armenia with a united people. Glory to God and honor to our people that on September 21, 1991, we once again had a free and independent Armenia.

It is true that today Armenia faces crises and challenges, both internal and external. It is true that today’s Armenia is not the Armenia that we dreamed of for decades. Yet the same dream and the same ideal must be kept alive. Woe to the people who have no dream or ideal, and no faith, will, or hope to realize it. Our people are called to keep the Republic of Armenia strong—through its state institutions, internal solidarity, and, above all, through the powerful attachment of our people to the supreme interests and values of the Homeland. 

Indeed, the commemoration of the independence of the Republic of Armenia must become more than a celebration; it must be a call to keep our Homeland firm and steadfast, free from all internal polarization and sensitivities. Armenia is the Homeland of all Armenians. With this awareness and commitment, the sons and daughters of our people must approach Armenia. With this awareness and commitment, the officials of Armenia must approach the Diaspora. 

Unfortunately, for various reasons, we lost Artsakh—one of the essential pillars of the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity. Let us live and act in such a way that Armenia will never be estranged from the Diaspora, nor the Diaspora from Armenia. To separate or distance Armenia and the Diaspora from one another is a national heresy. 

Indeed, the commemoration of Armenia’s independence is a message to all Armenians: to unite around the supreme values of the Republic of Armenia—its territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty, their inviolable preservation and greater strengthening. Only with this conscious commitment does the celebration of our Homeland’s independence attain its true and full meaning and purpose.

May God, in His heavenly kingdom, receive the martyrs who shed their blood for the defense and preservation of our sacred soil, and grant swift healing to our wounded soldiers on the battlefield. May God, with His heavenly power, keep unshaken the independence of Armenia, our beloved Homeland, and unite the sons and daughters of our people—now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen. 

ARAM I, CATHOLICOS
OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA
September 21, 2025