Karekin II commemorates Genocide while grieving Artsakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, speaking with journalists at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, stated that this year’s commemoration of the Armenian Genocide’s 110th anniversary comes with the pain of Artsakh’s recent losses still heavy in the nation’s heart.

“Today we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, remembering also the genocidal actions against our people in Artsakh and the sorrow of the losses there,” he said, as quoted by Panorama.am .

He added that prayers were offered to God, asking for strength and resilience for the Armenian people to overcome hardships and continue the path of rebuilding the homeland.

“From this sacred height of Tsitsernakaberd, together with our clergy and children of our nation, we raised our prayers to God, asking the Lord to strengthen our people—to turn their pain, sorrow, and suffering into strength, to overcome the hardships they face, and to continue building a bright and flourishing future for our nation.

May God be a helper and protector of our nation on its sacred path of nation-building. May the love and mercy of the Lord guide our people, today and always,” the Catholicos said.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive against Artsakh, subjecting the region to heavy bombardment. A day later, the Artsakh authorities agreed to a ceasefire under Russian peacekeeper mediation, surrendering to Baku’s terms—disbanding the Defense Army and dissolving the Republic. Forced displacement began on September 24, with over 100,000 Armenians fleeing to Armenia. Only around 20 Armenians are believed to have remained in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree dissolving the Republic, effective January 1, 2024.