KAREKIN II DIRECTS MESSAGE ON INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSIAN

ARMENPRESS
April 9, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 9, ARMENPRESS: Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin
II directed a message on the inauguration of Armenian New President
Serzh Sargsian.

The Catholicosate press service told Armenpress that in his message
His Holiness said: "President of the Republic of Armenia, the
Honorable Serzh Sargsian, President of the National Assembly, the
Honorable Tigran Torosian, President Robert Kocharian, Your Eminences,
Reverend Fathers, state authorities of Armenia, representatives of
diplomatic missions, and dear guests, We greet you on the occasion
of the inauguration of the third president of the Republic of Armenia
and extend the blessings of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – our
cherished holy cradle of faith built by God – with the prayers of the
psalmist on our lips, "Let thy steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
as we have placed our hope in thee." Psalms 33:22.

On the paths of a life blessed by God, our Armenian nation has
received manifold graces. Under the gaze of Biblical Mount Ararat,
Jesus Christ has transformed our people into the inheritors of the
grace of salvation, granting us the power of a creative life, the
spirit of self-sufficiency, and the glory of keeping the legacy of our
forebears brilliant and alive. He has delivered us from difficulties
and tragedies, guided us in the ways of liberty, peace and justice; and
has made us worthy to greet the dawn of native independent statehood.

Today, our people are building the new life of the homeland, with
the hope to see our country in goodness and prosperity, progressing
in science and culture, alive with the faith and sacredness of our
forefathers. Truly, the foresight of the prophet has been manifested
in the life of our people: "Consider the ancient generations and see:
who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?" Sirach 2:10.

On this solemn day of inauguration of the president of the republic,
we have the opportunity to reflect that you, President Sargsian, along
with many worthy sons of the nation, have brought your commendable
contribution to the liberation of Artsakh and the stability and
reinforcement of Armenia’s statehood.

During these years of independent statehood, our homeland has
experienced significant transformations and reconstruction. We all
are happy for the achievements and victories, which we shall increase
and multiply. The creation of a more thriving and dignified life
and establishment of a lawful society are the just expectations and
aspirations of our people, which we expect to see quickly brought
to fruition.

Our people as yet are experiencing the tribulations connected to
post-election developments. Mr.

President, the events of the past months increase the responsibility
you – and all of us – bear: to implement utmost effort toward
increasing the spirit of love, brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts
of the sons and daughters of our people, and to reject intolerance.

You are taking on the position of president of our republic at a
decisive time for our country, with greater responsibility to continue
your service to our homeland and our people dispersed throughout
the world. The experience you have gained from previous high state
positions; your will and devotion to strengthen our country; your
plans and your proposed methods and prerequisites; inspire us with
confidence, that under your leadership, through ongoing and consistent
efforts, the challenges and obstacles which confront our lives will
be overcome as well in the coming years.

Thus, our country will be greater reinforced in the spheres of peace,
justice and human rights, and with the desire to greater strengthen our
freedom. Our Holy Church will assist you on these paths blessed by God,
and will always support our native state as it has done for centuries.

Through its unity, our people have achieved victories, and today as
well, together we shall secure the welfare of our homeland. Incidents
which endanger the unity of our people must not find a place in our
lives. Through unity, we shall ensure an enduring blessed life,
keep vibrant the Armenian Diaspora, and transform our dispersion
throughout the world into strength for the homeland. Through unity we
shall be able to find the peaceful solution to the Nagorno Karabagh
conflict, and see our just claims for recognition of the Genocide of
the Armenians prevail.

The words of the wise man said in a past era remain as truth:
"Through unity, the small become great; through division, the great
become small."

President Kocharian, today when you conclude your term as president of
the Republic of Armenia, we offer our sincere prayers to the Almighty,
asking Him to bless your life and grant you success in your future
endeavors. The economic growth and efforts aimed at improving societal
life and the tangible results which occurred during your presidency
will guide our country to increased fundamental improvements and
new advances.

It is our prayer to heaven, that God protect our homeland in peace
and security, and that our people, with their productive labors,
keep it beautiful, vibrant and blossoming.

President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsian, we ask that the
blessing, graces and daily guidance of our Lord be with you throughout
your responsible mission. May God grant you new energy, strength and
vigor, and bless your efforts and those of all our people, so that your
term of office be recorded in our history as a period of stability,
progress and development for Armenia and Armenian life.

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for
the Lord!" Psalms 31:24. With these words of the psalmist, we invite
you all to stand and pray in unison: "Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

"Protector and hope of the faithful, our Lord Jesus Christ, keep and
defend the Republic of Armenia, its elected President and members
of the National Assembly, its ministers and all authorities of our
native land. Grant them perfect wisdom to lead the Armenian people to
goodness and peace. Bless and strengthen the Armenian Church and her
faithful in Armenia, Artsakh and the dispersion, to walk in paths
of love and unity, justice and piety under the protection of Your
holy and sacred Cross. Save us, O Lord, from enemies seen and unseen,
make us worthy to praise and glorify You with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen."