His Holiness Karekin II Sends Message of Hope and Unity on the Feast of Holy Nativity and Epiphany

In an address on the sacred occasion of the Feast of Holy Nativity and Epiphany, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, delivered a powerful message filled with hope, resilience, and a call for unity to the Armenian faithful worldwide.

Amidst the nation's sorrow and challenges, the Catholicos urged Armenians to embrace unyielding faith and unwavering hope, drawing attention to the symbolism of Christ's birth in Bethlehem as a guiding light offering salvation to a troubled world.

"With beautiful words of praise, the soul-stirring canticle conveys to us the wonder of the Holy Nativity," remarked His Holiness, evoking the significance of this divine event as an invitation to transition from darkness to light and to align with the path of righteousness and eternal blessings.

Addressing the tumultuous times faced by the Armenian people in the 21st century, His Holiness candidly acknowledged the challenges wrought by geopolitical complexities and internal struggles. He lamented the perversion of virtues—goodness tainted by malice, justice overshadowed by nepotism, and truth distorted by falsehoods—resulting in division and losses within the nation.

Amid these tribulations, His Holiness emphasized the transformative power of faith, proclaiming, "With God, every tribulation is transformed into victory, every suffering into divine reward." He called for a collective effort to overcome trials and unite under the luminous guidance of Christ, citing the unbroken message of hope: "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

The Catholicos implored Armenians to transform their hearts into illuminated mangers rather than succumbing to despair, encouraging them to offer deeds pleasing to the Infant Jesus and advocating for righteousness, love, and truth. He called for solidarity to counter expansionist ambitions and to bridge divides within the Armenian community, ensuring a future brightened by heavenly blessings.

Acknowledging the plight of Armenians displaced from Artsakh, His Holiness commended their resilience and pledged continued support, vowing to safeguard the rights of those affected by the conflict. He reassured them, saying, "Artsakh will never become a past for us," affirming a commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future for the homeland.

The message concluded with a heartfelt prayer for peace, prosperity, and the safe return of captives, alongside an unwavering belief in the dawn of a new era. His Holiness extended fraternal greetings to religious leaders and faithful followers, invoking blessings for a fruitful pastoral ministry and expressing Patriarchal love and goodwill.