The recent tragedy suffered by our people in Artsakh has had severe consequences for Armenians worldwide, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. The first Genocide against the Armenian people in the 20th century has been repeated in the 21st century, resulting in loss of innocent lives, destruction, displacement, and exile. Artsakh, a land deeply intertwined with Armenian history has fallen into the bloody hands of our enemy. However, our people remain steadfast and draw solace and strength from the word of Apostle Paul, who said, “Hope does not put us to shame” (Romans 5:5). Despite the despair our nation faces, the Armenian people firmly hold onto their faith and determination, just as Christ resurrected with the cross. On the occasion of the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, our people are encouraged to maintain their unwavering faith and hope by looking towards the Crucified cross and the powerful message it symbolizes.
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, on the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak and the day of unity for Artsakh and Artsakh Armenians, His Holliness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, led a Divine Liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Antelias. The morning sermon was delivered by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States.
In his sermon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan highlighted the importance of the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, the final celebration of the four feasts of the Cross, which is exclusive to the Armenian church. He discussed the shared hardship endured by the Armenian people and underscored the unwavering faith displayed by our communities during times of adversity.
H.G. Bishop Donoyan mentioned that the feasts of the Holy Cross provide an opportunity to reconfirm the significance and influence of the Cross in our lives. He also provided an overview of the feasts of the Holy Cross and shared the historical background of the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak.
During his sermon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan mentioned the unfortunate circumstances our people are currently experiencing. He emphasized that from the 4th century onward, our nationality and Christian faith have become inseparable aspects of the Armenian people’s identity. Our people continue to walk the path of the cross, just as Christ once did. Even in these times, when the enemy threatens Armenia and our people, we continue to hold onto the prayer “Let your cross be our hope, Lord Jesus.” H.G. Bishop Donoyan offered a prayer for God’s miraculous salvation and intervention for the Artsakh Armenians exiled and mourning, the Armenian children who are wounded and starving, the courageous mothers, sisters, and brothers of the martyred in Artsakh, as well as the Armenian nation and our homeland when the danger of a new war looms. Additionally, H.G. Bishop Donoyan prayed for the Diasporan Armenians who find themselves trapped in unfamiliar suffering.
At the end of his sermon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan urged the faithful to maintain hope, persevere, and resist the devil’s influence, relying on the cross for support and protection. and to trust our cross for support and protection. He highlighted the significance of the cross during the Armenian Genocide, where it revived our ancestors, granting them life and God’s blessings. H.G. Bishop Donoyan stated that despite these challenging times, the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, by divine assistance, has been able to offer diverse humanitarian, social, and economic aid to Armenia, Artsakh, and our afflicted Armenian communities. He stressed that the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia remains faithful to its mission and continues to stand beside its people.
At the conclusion of his sermon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan conveyed his appreciation to His Holiness Aram I for not only undertaking numerous initiatives to support Armenians in Artsakh but for recently establishing a special body that will commence implementing humanitarian programs to offer aid to displaced Armenians of Artsakh.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Aram I led a special prayer specifically aimed for Artsakh Armenians. Additionally, a requiem service was conducted to honor the souls of those individuals who sacrificed their lives in defense of Arstakh.
