His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has declared 2021 the Year of Artsakh, according to a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Since 2003, Catholicos Aram I has dedicated each year to an important event or a concern related to the church, culture and homeland through declarations. Due to the deep concerns of Armenians about Artsakh caused by the war, His Holiness has declared 2021 the Year of Artsakh.

The proclamation of Aram I will be read at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of Antelias, as well as in Western Prelacy churches on January 10, 2021.

In the statement, His Holiness also urges Armenians to stay away from the New Year celebrations and instead to give the funds and gifts to the needy children of Artsakh.