HH Karekin II’s Message on Victory Day and Liberation of Shushi Day
armradio.am
09.05.2010 12:29
Dear faithful Armenians,
It is with a joyful spirit that we convey our congratulations to you
in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, on the luminous and bright
occasions of Victory and Peace Day and the Liberation of Shushi Day.
This year we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the great victory of
nations, whereby World War II was brought to an end. The glad tiding
of peace resounded throughout the world on May 9. The sons and
daughters of our people were also enveloped with joy and enlightened,
as they had played their heroic role in the defeat of fascism, the
struggle against violence and the securing of peace. In the struggle
to liberate many countries, and on all battlefields and front lines of
that war, our people dispersed throughout the world were also
defending the peace and freedom of Armenia – the homeland of all
Armenians. Truly, the war was a Patriotic War for the Armenian people
as well.
Reflecting today once more on the war that resulted in humanity’s
greatest victims and sacrifices, we also remember the triumphant path
of the Armenian divisions, military talent and victories of Armenian
commanders, the bravery and heroism of Armenian soldiers, the partisan
units and resistance movements which included devoted sons and
daughters of the Armenians. We recall the dedication and diligent
efforts of our people in the villages and cities, through which
military victories were achieved. Among the unforgettable memories of
those difficult and heroic days is the diligent response by the
Armenians of the Diaspora to the call of His Holiness Gevork VI,
Catholicos of All Armenians, and the fundraising efforts whereby the
quickly assembled tank divisions entered the battle at the first front
lines of the war. Our people, though few in number, brought their
great participation with all their strength to the war and sustained
heavy losses, for the sake of our homeland and for the sake of a
peaceful and prosperous world.
It is with these examples of patriotism and courage that the
liberation struggle for Artsakh was born and achieved. The hope for
the liberation of Artsakh never diminished in the soul of our people,
including during those years when the victorious commanders, valiant
officers and brave soldiers from Artsakh were fighting on the
battlefields of the Second World War. The morning of the liberation of
Shushi dawned with that same blessed hope, and today, we offer thanks
to God that our faithful people are molding the victories of their
peaceful lives in the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh. Through the
unified efforts of our people, Shushi – the tradition-rich capital of
Artsakh – is being rebuilt as well, with the constant and same
unshakeable belief that the just right of the Armenians of Artsakh to
live free will be universally recognized.
We pray today that all countries and peoples be reinforced in their
will to exert efforts aimed at establishing peace in the world, the
strengthening of collaboration and the creation of a prosperous life.
We ask for the blessings of the Almighty for the entire world and our
people, so that our goals are achieved and efforts succeed, for the
sake of our native land and its development, a secure and good life
everywhere, and for our present and future, bright with faith and
flourishing with science and culture.