YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. His Holiness Karekin II issued an address on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia. The Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin informed “Armenpress” that the address runs as follows:

“From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin we extend our Pontifical blessings to our people in Armenia and the Diaspora on the occasion of Armenian Independence Day.

Today is a sacred day, our nation's day of appreciation, of assessing our achievements, of noting our bright aspirations, and a day of confirming our future possibilities.

Independent statehood enables nations and peoples to live within their values, to build their ideals, to freely express their spiritual potential and capabilities. Let us strengthen this consciousness and conviction in our souls, and make it a force to remain united around, to overcome the current difficulties and to improve our country, while affirming our Christian values and principles, through which we have lived as a nation and society.

We offer our Prayers to God, that he blesses our Homeland, strengthens our statehood, protects and keeps our people in peace and safety throughout the world. With reliance on God, may we build our new life with warm love and strong faith under the auspices of our free Homeland.”