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: [email protected]
September 21, 2005
Armenian Independence Day celebrated in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On September 21, Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, led the
members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and the faithful in
commemorating the festive day with a service of thanksgiving in the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The procession of bishops, priests and deacons led His Holiness as they
entered into the Mother Cathedral of all Armenians under the singing of
hymns and stood before the Main Altar where they offered their prayers for
the safety and security of Armenia.
Following readings from the New Testament letters and the Gospel, His
Holiness offered a prayer to heaven on bended knees, stating in part, “O
Lord, we offer praise and thanks to You, that you visited the Armenian
nation, showing us Your great mercy, and established the Armenian Republic
on this land. We bow down before You, O Lord our God, and ask from your
most generous and beneficent love, that You keep and protect the Republic of
Armenia in peace – prosperous and unshaken. Bless O Lord, all faithful and
loyal officials of Armenia. Bless all those who live under the authorities
of this Republic: clergy and laymen, young and old, men and women, and all
of your faithful flock, keeping them under the safety of Your Holy Right
Hand.”
The service ended with the Pontiff of All Armenians blessing the gathered
faithful and wishing all Armenians a happy Independence Day.