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Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II and Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I along with Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan and Chairman of NKR National Assembly, Ashot Goulian visited Gandzasar monastery, report Information Services of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II and Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I welcomed those gathered at this historic occasion. Afterwards, they proceeded to St. John the Baptist Church under the victorious ringing of the church bells and singing “Glorious” to pray for peace in Artsakh.

After the Prayer, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II and Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I were welcomed by Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan.

“Today, Gandzasar Monastery and Artsakh World rejoice that our Patriarchs have come to Artsakh, to this historical monastery at this critical moment to encourage the people, Artsakh authorities, Armenian soldiers and clergymen to be able to continue our mission. At this very critical moment we are witnessing a historical event, when our Patriarchs are with us encouraging with God,” said Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan.

Afterwards, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II addressed those present.

“Our beloved faithful sons and daughters,
We bring you the light and blessing of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the love and prayer of our Patriarchy, and the support of your brothers and sisters around the world. We’ve come here today with our beloved spiritual brother, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I to pray with you for the peaceful life of Artsakh under the arches of this church. We’ve come to pray for a safe and secure service to our soldiers. We’ve come to support the efforts of the authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and all Artsakh people to build a peaceful and better life for Artsakh. We’ve come to encourage Artsakh people and by encouraging to be encouraged by the unbending will of Arsakh people and the courageous spirit of our soldiers. Glory to thee, Armenians of Artsakh, glory to thee, Armenian army. We are proud of you, your deeds and your bravery.

Thank God, the brave soldiers of the Armenian Army heroically withstood the hostilities unleashed by Azerbaijan. They thwarted the scheme of resolving Karabakh conflict through military means. No matter how modern the adversary’s weapons, they were powerless to ensure their victory. Analogical to the biblical narrative, the troops of the enemy clashed like winds on Artsakh, established on the rock of freedom and independence,” said His Holiness Karekin II.

His Holiness then noted that the situation still remains tense, so we should always be ready to restrain and prevent any crime planned by the enemy.

Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I also expressed his support to Artsakh people and the Armenian army calling to unite for the protection of peace in Arsakh.

As the Information Services of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reports, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, along with the others visited the Central Military Hospital in Stepanakert.

The hospital director Zori Saghyan briefed the Catholicoi on the condition of the Defense Army servicemen wounded as a result of the military actions unleashed by Azerbaijan, as well as the course of their recovery.
Following the briefing, His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by the medical staff, visited the hospital wards, offering their blessings and encouraging words to the wounded soldiers.

The Catholicoi expressed their gratitude to the hospital personnel for their dedication and care and wished a speedy recovery to the brave soldiers.

In the evening, the Catholicos of All Armenians and Catholicos Aram I toured Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square together with NKR President Bako Sahakyan. They were informed of the recent urban development activities, noting appreciation of the efforts of the NKR authorities towards the improvement of the city.