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 important church 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.
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