His Holiness the Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Participants of the 12th Pan-Armenian ARF Youth and Student Gathering
20.07.2025
On July 20, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin the participants of the 12th Pan-Armenian Youth and Student Gathering of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), accompanied by Mr. Hovsep Ter-Gevorgyan, member of the ARF Bureau, and Mr. Gegham Manukyan, member of the ARF Armenia Supreme Council.
Mr. Ter-Gevorgyan, seeking the Catholicos’s blessing, emphasized that this year’s gathering takes place under the motto “We Must Return,” conveying a vital message to reconnect with our roots and spiritual and cultural values.
His Holiness bestowed his paternal blessing upon the attendees, expressing gratitude to the ARF youth and student organizations for their ongoing efforts to unite young Armenians from around the world in the homeland—an invaluable opportunity to strengthen their spiritual identity and deepen their love for the homeland.
Speaking on the importance of preserving national identity and being guided by spiritual values, the Catholicos highlighted that the youth, with unwavering love for their homeland and firm national character, form the cornerstone of the nation’s strength and continuity.
Addressing the occupation of Artsakh, the defense of displaced Armenians’ rights, the continued detention of Armenian prisoners of war and captives in Azerbaijan, and the preservation of Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage amid the ongoing difficulties, His Holiness stressed the essential role of national unity for the homeland’s welfare and overcoming present trials.
In conclusion, His Holiness prayed that the lasting spirit and resolve of patriotism remain with Armenian youth at all times, inspiring them through united effort to safeguard the homeland and foster a peaceful, prosperous future for the nation.
