MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS GAREGIN II ON THE INAUGURATION OF SERZH SARGSYAN
armradio.am
09.04.2008 16:44
President of the Republic of Armenia, the Honorable Serzh Sargsyan,
President of the National Assembly, the Honorable Tigran Torosyan,
President Robert Kocharyan, 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 Sargsyan, 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 Karabakh 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."
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
