PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
Website:
March 4, 2008
Text of His Holiness Karekin II’s Address to the Nation
"Our dear and pious Armenians,
"Our souls are filled with sorrow today. My Armenian nation mourns the loss
of its children. During the presidential electoral process, the sprit of
intolerance led to disorder, to sad and tragic clashes and confrontations.
We never would have expected that the inherent sound judgment of our people
would yield to hatred and enmity. Dear ones, today our entire nation is
disquieted and anxious, seeing that its cherished values of national unity,
peace and security of the homeland are endangered.
"Let us practice wisdom and reasoning, refraining from fraternal hostility
and actions that deepen the discord. All problems and issues which trouble
us, shall be solved through peaceful means, respect for the law and the safe
paths of dialogue.
"Each of us must answer for our actions before history and our generations.
Let us not risk the stability of our country with further unwise actions.
Let us not see darkened the new sunrise of our homeland. Let us not default
on our debts to God, to our forefathers and our children. We believe that
through reliance on God, with a spirit of courage, with hope and optimism,
we shall overcome this grave and difficult situation, we shall once more
find the path of welfare for our lives and our homeland.
"We offer our prayers to heaven, asking for rest for the souls of our
perished sons, and consolation for their sorrowful families and friends.
"May God reinforce us all. May our Lord bless all of us with wisdom,
granting us the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome this dire adversity
within our lives."
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To view the video of the address of the Armenian Pontiff, please visit the
website of the Armenian Church, and click on the news
link for March 3.
You can also view the video on YouTube, by clicking on the following link: