PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
September 21, 2005

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
ON THE OCCASION OF ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
September 21, 2005

We extend greetings and blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to
all our sons and daughters in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora,
congratulating them on the festive occasion of Independence Day of the
Republic of Armenia.

A new page opened in our history on September 21, 1991 – a day blessed by
God, whose great sacred mystery will be celebrated and commemorated by our
succeeding generations.

Our people did not yield to the difficulties and sacrifices of the
liberation struggle for Artsakh, the earthquake and the blockade; rather
with one heart and one will defended the right to live free without
hesitation. We have passed through a difficult yet ascending pathway on the
journey to create our new life and new statehood, a course which will become
broader and brighter through the united efforts, faith, devotion and love of
our people.

We shall nurture each day of free Armenia, for the sake of the development
and prosperity of our Motherland, in the name of the unified and glorious
future for all Armenians.

We offer prayers and wishes to heaven, that the Lord protect the Republic of
Armenia under His Fatherly Right Hand, and keep our people filled with grace
and reinforced with faith, to live and work for the love and glory of our
homeland.

May the grace, love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us and will
all.