Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan of the Diocese of Artsakh delivered an Easter message, emphasizing the hardships facing both Artsakh and Armenia. He acknowledged the prevailing injustice, indifference, and persecution in the world, which often bring despair. However, he affirmed that followers of Christ carry within them the light of the Resurrection, which offers enduring hope.

“The same way our Lord’s tomb was found empty, so too will the efforts to bury us as a people prove futile—if we remain steadfast in our faith and values,” he stated.

He urged the faithful to let the light of the Resurrection strengthen their commitment to spiritual values and deepen their love and care for one another. “Only by this path can we realize even the goals that seem unreachable. And on this path, with the Lord’s help, we will reclaim our homeland—Artsakh,” the bishop declared.

He added that true belief in Christ’s Resurrection entails trust that, with divine help, all trials can be overcome and that the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will not ignore the prayers and intentions of the faithful.

“Today, as all our prayers are directed toward our homeland and our children, let us also remember those Armenians in captivity, who are denied the chance to celebrate Easter with loved ones. May God grant them freedom soon, for they embody our collective sorrow through their personal suffering.

Strengthen your spirit and believe: a people armed with faith in the Resurrection is immune even to the sting of death,” the bishop’s message concluded.

Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive on Artsakh on September 19, 2023, subjecting the region to heavy shelling. A day later, on September 20, the Artsakh authorities agreed to the Russian peacekeeping command’s proposal to cease fire and accepted Baku’s terms: disarmament and the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh. On September 24, mass forced displacement of Artsakh residents began, with over 100,000 people fleeing to Armenia. Reports suggest only about 20 Armenians remain in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree to dissolve the republic, effective January 1, 2024.