On Thursday, September 1, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, arrived in Stepanakert to take part in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh. Also present were Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan, Karabagh President Bako Sahakyan, and Archbishop Barkev Martirossian, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh.
The visit included a prayer service and a flower-laying ceremony at the Stepanakert memorial in honor of the fallen soldiers of the Karabagh War. The celebration featured a parade, concert, and other activities.
“Glory to God, for the impossible has become a reality,” His Holiness said in his remarks.
“Today we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh, and we are proud of the achievements of our brave people. We are also renewing our covenant—our will and faith—to multiply those accomplishments and to realize the hopes of past generations of Armenians. The last two decades have been a testament to the unity of our nation in spirit and action.”
