Karekin II visits Yerablur Military Pantheon on Army Day
On January 28, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, accompanied by high-ranking clergymen of the Mother See, visited the Yerablur Military Pantheon on the occasion of Army Day to participate in a prayer and a memorial service.
The Pontiff and the accompanying clergy refused to answer journalists’ questions concerning the strained relations between the Church and the Armenian authorities in recent months. Karekin II asked the journalists “not to disturb the significance of the day” and urged them to allow this day to be lived peacefully and sacredly, “praying for the peaceful, secure, and prosperous life of the homeland.”
The Catholicos prayed with the other clergymen and left the pantheon. Prior to this, he had issued a message dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Armenian Army.
The Catholicos’s message specifically noted that the Armenian Army is “one of the pillars of our newly independent statehood” and that the heroic deeds of the soldiers martyred during the war unleashed by Azerbaijan will constantly inspire the military personnel. He wished that the Armenian Army continues to bravely guard the country’s borders, “blending courage and endurance with faith in God.”
“The Armenian Army is one of the pillars of our statehood, called to ensure the peace of our country and the security of our people. During the war of occupation of Artsakh unleashed by Azerbaijan, the warriors of our army fought fearlessly, and many sons of the Armenian nation were martyred. Their heroic deeds will constantly inspire our military personnel in their dedicated service.”
As a reminder, on January 27—the Day of Remembrance and Homage for those who fell for the Homeland—a memorial service was also held at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by the Catholicos of All Armenians.