March: 22, 2026
Today is the holiday of Saint Gregory the Illuminator’s terrible sufferings and imprisonment in Khor Virap.
At first glance, the concept of “horrible suffering and imprisonment” may sound strange to today’s man.
First, these sufferings and imprisonment are meant for a clear purpose and are for the sake of truth and justice. That is why St. Grigor Narekatsi rejoices. “Give me the strength of joy in my distress” (Make the day of my distress a feast of joy).
And secondly, it served the freedom and emancipation of an entire people, just as the Victory of the Resurrection was preceded by the Council of the Cross, in which “with the most artistic wisdom you turn the shadow of death into a garden with your most artistic wisdom” (St. Grigor Narekatsi).
It became the beginning of the Great Conversion of Armenians, the journey to God and reconciliation with him.
Here is the meaning and essence of celebrating the “terrible sufferings and imprisonment in Khor Virap”.
The path to freedom and liberation has a price and without paying it, without hardship, suffering, sacrifice, firm conviction, will, faith, hope and finally the sacrificial love of love, it will not be freely given.
THE BEGINNING AND END OF THIS WAY IS LOVE. IT BEGINS WITH LOVE AND IS SUMMED UP IN LOVE BECOMING LOVE’S CROWN MARRIAGE WITH SUFFERING, WHOSE FRUIT IS LIBERATION;
Yes, today is the FESTIVAL of truth and justice, the liberation of our country, the New Transformation, of all those arrested, persecuted, abused, imprisoned and those who pass through the “shadow of death” fighting for the freedom of our people, especially those who have the unwavering and unquestionable conviction that the result of being in this darkness will be the GARDEN OPENING, who themselves carry the GARDEN OPENING.
Happy holiday everyone…
May the advice and grace of the Holy Enlightener Patriarch’s terrible sufferings and the Feast of the Deep Entry lead us to the Light of our lives and the Victory of Light, because
Victory has no alternative…
Prisoner of the Fatherland
Prince Bagrat Galstanyan
21.03.2026
On the feast of our Saint Gregory the Illuminator
the terrible suffering and going into the hospital
—
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Albert Nalbandian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/03/22/today-all-the-prisoners-fighting-for-the-new-transformation-of-our-country-the-freedom-of-our-people/