Patriarchal Message
On January 28, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians sent a congratulatory message from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Armenia. In the message it is particularly stated:
"On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the glorious Armenian Army, from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin we bring with joy Our Patriarchal Blessing and congratulatory remarks to our brave soldiers and generals and to the entire Armenian nation.
The Armenian Army is the child of our newly independent country that was formed during the battles for Armenia's defense and amid deprivations and sacrifices. It grew and became strong like the epic hero Sasuntsi David day after day and hour after hour. The Armenian Army embodies the patriotic soul of our nation, the will to defend the rights of our nation, the confidence in the future, and it is also the pillar for peace and advancement of our country.
Glory and satisfaction to God that our army is celebrating its anniversary with victories and achievements, with the spirit of combat and a good reputation! We bring our high appreciation to our dear Armenians who made contributions to the formation and development of the Armenian Army, to the soldiers that are defending the homeland and who continue to serve in the Armenian Army.
We pray that God maintain our Homeland, our nation spread across the globe, help us achieve for the love of our country, our hopes for a bright future. May the Lord keep the Armenians who died in the battles in peace and may He keep our generals and fighters healthy with courage and victorious. May the honor and glory of service to the Homeland always glisten."
