There is no alternative to national and social solidarity, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians said in his opening remarks at the National Assembly.
“Today, our homeland Armenia and Artsakh face serious external and internal challenges, including aggression and expansionist aspirations by Azerbaijan. To overcome the problems the country faces, it is imperative for state, political figures and the whole society to unite,” the Catholicos said, attaching importance to a high awareness of civic responsibility, universal vigilance and integrity.
“The desire and aspiration of all of us is the security and progress of our homeland, the building of a peaceful and prosperous life, which is largely conditioned by the activities of the legislature and the government to be formed,” he added.
“Today, you undertake your responsibilities to make an important contribution to the continued development of the economy, science, education, and cultural progress through legislative initiatives, to safeguard the integrity of our identity and values, and to uphold justice and rights. “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.,” says the Bible (Psalm 105: 3), testifying that justice and lawfulness are the guarantee of the welfare and prosperity of the country and the people. Your legislative activity, with the rule of law and justice, must be aimed at creating the necessary environment and opportunities for the strength and security of our state, for the dignified life of our country. The way to make this age-old dream come true is to fulfill the message of our fathers, who, according to the Gospel, taught that the law is for man and not man for the law (cf. Mark 2:27),”His Holiness continued.
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He noted that in the current difficult situation in our country, in the difficult circumstances in the region, we vitally need unity, calmness instead of hatred, revenge and divisions. “We must all be well aware that there is no alternative to national and public solidarity. First of all, love, mutual understanding and good will in the society must be sown from this parliament, the governmental system. Let the criticisms voiced during the parliamentary activity be aimed only at building, correcting the mistakes, holding debates to find the truth, be guided by the spirit of truth.”
“We urge you to work together as a team with the same aspiration to build a bright future for our homeland and people, with a plurality of political views and perspectives, to work with our Diaspora to overcome internal and external challenges, prevent emigration, and work with the Diaspora. Hold firm to our spiritual and national values, to the supreme interests of the homeland, to the faith and devoted vision of our holy ancestors and patriotic martyrs, so that we may have the national grace and strength to build the awakening of our state and patriotic life,” the Catholicos stated.
“Our Holy Church has always guided our people to the salvation of the soul, the enlightenment of the mind, the rise of national life, it has also blessed the liberation struggles, supported the struggles for the re-establishment of statehood. With this vision, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church always raises its voice against dangerous processes for the homeland, threats to national identity, violation of the rights and values of our people. True to its calling, our Holy Church will continue to fulfill its mission, supporting and supporting all patriotic and national efforts for the love of our people and state,” His Holiness Karekin II noted.
“We pray that God will give you wisdom and support in your activities, so that the mission of the National Assembly will be fruitful with the desired results, for the sake of the progress of the homeland, the peaceful, secure and dignified life of our people. Good and blessed progress to the work of the 8th convocation of the National Assembly,” the Catholicos concluded.