"THIS WAS A CHERISHED DAY 19 YEARS AGO"
- "From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin we bring our blessing and congratulations to all Armenians of Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora on the occasion of Armenia's Independence Day. Our souls are happy and full of pride and glory for the symbol of our national holiday. It was 19 years ago this cherished day when we realized our centuries-old vision of having a free and independent country. We are filled with hope that the free and independent country will develop and prosper through the combined efforts of all Armenians and will become the pillar and the stronghold for Armenians in all corners of the globe. Let us thank God, be more dedicated and make more efforts as we continue to care for our country, the advancement of the daily and spiritual lives of our nation with more zeal. By saying a prayer to God from the Mother Temple of Holy Etchmiadzin, we ask for the welfare of all Armenians and that they live in peace under the heavenly grants and blessing and always be happy for the new, glorious victories and achievements," said the Catholicos.