The Diocese
Posted: 02/03/2016
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in observance of Armed Forces Day, on January 27, 2016. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians met with the members of Armenia's Armed Forces.
Accompanying the Defense Minister General Seyran Ohanyan were members of the Armed Forces including chaplains. The Catholicos of All Armenians commended their undying love for the Motherland and in recognition of their contributions to Armenia, the Pontiff awarded St. Nerses Shnorhali medals to military officials.
A number of bishops including H.E. Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, H.G. Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, H.G. Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan and H.G. Bishop Arshak Khachatryan were honored by His Holiness with the "Andranik Ozanyan" medals. The "Admiral Isakov," "Garegin Nzhdeh," and "Marshall Baghramyan" medals were awarded by His Holiness on the 24th anniversary on the establishment of the Armenia's Armed Forces.
Message of His Holiness on Armed Forces Day
From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, our sacred sanctuary established by Christ, We extend Our Pontifical blessings and congratulations to the brave officers and soldiers of the Armenian Armed Forces, and all Armenians throughout the world on the occasion of Armed Forces Day. The formation of the Armenian Army is a great achievement of our independent state which is the result of the struggle, love and devotion of our brave soldiers for the Homeland. Today, through the feats of our soldiers and commanders; and sometimes by sacrificing their lives, the borders of our country are intact and protected. The valiant spirit of the Armenian soldier gives encouragement to our people, guiding us to serve to our Homeland with devotion, zeal and love for each other. In front of the Holy Altar, we pray that our Heavenly Lord blesses and keeps all the soldiers and commanders victorious. And may the grace, love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us. Amen.
