Message Regarding Recent Events in Artsakh

A Message from the Parish Priest Regarding Recent Events in Artsakh.

Transcript:

 We've been receiving deeply troubling news from Artsakh, the embattled land that has been the home to Armenians for centuries upon centuries. Even as we prepared to celebrate the arrival of basic humanitarian aid through the Berdzor Corridor, we were shocked to learn of Azerbaijan's brazen attacks.

These actions not only disregarded international law and established agreements, but have also resulted in the tragic loss of civilian lives, including children. Finally, on Wednesday, today, we learned that a ceasefire was signed between Artsakh and Azeri officials that may effectively negate the possibility of a sovereign Artsakh.

Thousands have already fled seeking safety in public areas such as the Stepanakert airport, is uncertain.

We deeply lament this news, and what it portends for Artsakh and Armenia. Many have taken to posting black images and texts to social media as a sign of mourning. And while we mourn the lives recently taken, and all of those sacrificed to bring us to this point, I personally reflect on Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 4, which says, "For to him that is joined to all the living, there is hope. For a living dog is better than a dead lion."

There are times when I visit those who are on the brink of death, And I observe that their loved ones are already in mourning, as if death has already taken them. While anticipatory grief is a perfectly natural and even healthy phenomenon, I always encourage that we should cherish the living with life and not treat them differently, because of what we assume is inevitable.

Indeed, even in those moments, many have found themselves surprised by the turn of events. The future of Artsakh is more imperiled today than it ever has been, and its fate may be decided at any moment, if not already. But the people of Artsakh are still alive and resilient. If we despair now, if we resign our hearts to doom, then we may not be ready to stand with and for the people of Artsakh in the challenging days ahead, regardless of what's to come.

We should resolve in the face of unanswerable questions to remain vigilant in prayer.

Almighty God, we appeal to your divine mercy for the protection of our fellow brothers and sisters as they face great peril in Artsakh. Loving God, listen to the voice of our prayers and protect the people of our ancestral land.

We pray for a spirit of bravery, unity, compassion, mutual love, understanding, and sacred devotion to uphold us, empowering us to be champions of truth and to support one another through challenges and hardships. For you are the author of life and the guarantor of peace, and to you we give glory forever and ever.

Amen.