Armenia: 20 Years of Independence
21 September 2011
Twenty years ago today, Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union, and ushered in a new era of statehood. During the past week, celebrations have been underway in the homeland to mark the two-decade milestone. What follows is a digest of statements and press releases issued by Holy Etchmiadzin in the past week.
On Saturday, September 17, young people in Armenia organized a pilgrimage to St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan. More than 3,000 participants marched from Republic Square to the cathedral, singing songs and waving Armenian flags.
In the cathedral, the group was greeted by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who blessed the young people and delivered an inspirational message. "Faith in God, love towards our people, and service to our homeland and church—this is the covenant of our fathers," His Holiness said. "Today we are renewing that covenant together in this cathedral."
Following services, a concert was held featuring performances by various student groups.
On Sunday, September 18, His Holiness Karekin II welcomed His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, to Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness Aram I visited Armenia to participate in the events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of independence.
"Our church has always nourished the spirit of freedom, and preserved the aspirations of Armenian statehood," His Holiness Karekin II said. "We extend our glory to God that today it has become a reality, and that our church stands on the foundation of that achievement."
His Holiness Aram I added, "Our church has served with great devotion, deep faith, and thorough commitment. Indeed, today we must renew our participation in the strengthening of our homeland Armenia, and in the prosperity of our church."
On Wednesday, September 21, a blessing service was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan. Present were His Holiness Karekin II, His Holiness Aram I, Armenian President Serge Sargsyan, and Nagorno- Karabagh President Bako Sahakyan.
At the conclusion of the service, His Holiness Karekin II delivered a message, reflecting on the 20th anniversary celebration. "The re-establishment of independent statehood is the greatest accomplishment in our national life, which has given us new hopes and has opened new horizons before us," His Holiness Karekin II said. "Let us build a providential country—one that is vibrant and progressive, illuminated with faith, where care and respect for each individual are bountiful." Click here to read the complete message.
Independence day celebrations also included a military parade, led by a procession of clergy, and a concert in Yerevan.
President Sargsyan issued a message congratulating the Armenian people on this milestone. "Reinstatement of our statehood was a day of joy—our dream came true, but first of all it was a responsibility. From that moment on we became responsible for our security, our economy, our culture, our present and our future," he said. "In two decades, we have made a huge leap forward; however there is still much to be done. Achievements and failures—they are all ours. With this conviction and with the societal accord in the next twenty years we will be able to build a country which will come close to our ideals."
Later this week, the president is scheduled to arrive in New York, where he will deliver an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 23, and meet with members of the Armenian-American community.
