THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTSAKH DIOCESE RECONSTITUTION CELEBRATED IN NKR
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2009-09-29 16:55
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
The 20th anniversary of reconstituting the Artsakh Diocese of the
Armenian Apostolic Church was celebrated in the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic.
Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and leaders of some Dioceses
arrived in Artsakh to participate in the festivities.
The Supreme Patriarch held on September 26 a public liturgy in the
Gandzasar monastery. The Saint Mass and Patriarch’s Thanksgiving
Service were held on September 27 in the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral
in Shushi.
"Thanks to our strong faith, we could stand all the tests. With this
faith, our people created its free and independent life", Garegin II
noted during the festivities.
A closing festive event took place on September 28, with the
participation of the NKR top leadership, public representatives,
and guests.
In his speech, NKR President Bako Sahakian, in particular, noted:
"Faith has always been a reliable guarantee of all the victories
and confidence in the future for the Armenian people. In the crucial
periods, we could also overcome the seemingly insuperable hardships
greatly thanks to our strong belief. So it was at the modern stage of
our struggle – during the Artsakh Movement. The fact that the first
rally took place in Stepanakert on one of the most important20church
holidays – the Presentation of the Lord – is symbolic in itself. The
Armenians of Artsakh got the Supreme Being’s blessing for upholding
their just demand. The Artsakh Diocese’s reconstitution became the
first victory in our nationwide struggle".
Within the festivities, an exhibition – "Church’s Treasures" – was
opened in the Artsakh Museum of History and Local Lore. Books, photos,
and works of art by the Artsakh Diocese, reflecting the Diocese’s
activity, are exhibited in the Stepanakert Culture and Youth Palace.