“On the occasion of the Victory and Peace Day from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we bring our Patriarchal blessing to our people in Armenia and the Diaspora. May 9 is a day of precious memories for us, when we commemorate the feats of our people’s children in the Second World War and the heroic struggle in Artsakh.

The glorious victory achieved in the Great Patriotic War is the testimony of the united and united struggle of the peoples against fascism, against injustice and evil. Our people made an important contribution to this victory.

For decades, this day has also been marked for us by the victory of the Artsakh struggle for survival. Today, when Artsakh is occupied and depopulated, we are obliged to continue pursuing the protection of the rights of the depatriated Artsakh Armenians. These events of the past should keep us firm and steadfast in the way of realizing our visions of building a strong and safe state.

The Day of Victory and Peace should remind us of the unity, brave spirit and sacrifice of our heroes for the sake of the nation and homeland, for the sake of peace, demonstrated by our people in those difficult days. This sacred day should also strengthen our zeal and commitment to care for war veterans, the families of the dead and the missing.

We pray for the souls of the Armenians who gave their lives in the Great Patriotic War and the Artsakh War, whose patriotism is still an inspiring example for generations to live, create and fight for the love of our native country with the same responsibility and dedication.

We pray to the Most High to ask for peace for the world and prosperity for the peoples. May the Risen Lord, under the auspices of His Right Hand, keep our homeland and all people safe and secure, strong in hope and faith and united in love.

Grace, love and peace to our Lord Jesus Christ and all of us. Amen,” the message reads.

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