On September 7, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; accompanied by the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council (SSC), visited the Gandzasar Monastery, where a “Hrashapar” service was offered.

The service was attended by Mr. Bako Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR also known as Artsakh) and Mr. Ashot Ghulyan, NKR National Assembly Chairman; as well as soldiers and residents of the village of Vank.

A prayer was offered in the St. John the Baptist Church, following which His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh; welcomed His Holiness. In his remarks, Archbishop Pargev noted that it was unique and historical event: that for the first time a Supreme Spiritual Council meeting was convened in Artsakh, gathering in the capital Stepanakert and the monastery of Gandzasar. He expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for granting that high honor. “You are here to be supportive and fortify your spiritual flock, your children and soldiers, to keep our borders and peaceful ad unshakable”, stated Archbishop Pargev.

The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his Pontifical blessings to the faithful; praising and praying the Lord for granting the opportunity to visit Artsakh during the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Artsakh independence.

“We are here to convey our blessings to the brave people of Artsakh, to express our support to the Artsakh authorities, and to bless the brave Armenian warriors of the NKR Army so that their arm will always be victorious”, stated His Holiness.

The Catholicos of All Armenians specifically mentioned the importance of prayer, which is “a source of strengthening the faith”. “Our ancestors built numerous places for worship in this wonderful Artsakh, so that the faith of the Artsakh people would be strong through prayer. All miracles happen due to strong faith. They are not only unknown and inexplicable phenomena, but miracles are the real expressions of our life.

“Throughout our history we have seen many miracles. Humanly incomprehensible achievements have occurred in our nation's life, due to God's power and presence, victories that we have achieved during the Karabakh war, and also during the April war.

“In all this we see the power of God's presence. And we must continue to rely on God, so as to be always victorious on the battlefield, as well as in building our life. We are here to pray in order for God to strengthen the faith in the souls of our people in Artsakh, and that the miracle of faith accompanies our people”, stated His Holiness and expressed his wish that faith protect the devout people of Artsakh and keep the borders of Artsakh secure.

The Catholicos of All Armenians expressed gratitude to the NKR President for the invitation and warm hospitality, also expressed his appreciation to the NKR authorities for keeping Artsakh vibrant and prosperous. His Holiness also prayed for the Army, its Armenian soldiers and commanders.

At the conclusion, His Holiness offered the Protector prayer, and asked the Almighty that Artsakh never be subjected to trial and live in peace, love and prosperity.

Following the “Hrashapar” service, the Supreme Spiritual Council session was held in the library building of the monastery complex.