Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Esteemed Participants of the Conference,

From the spiritual center of all Armenians — the God-established Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin — We extend Our Patriarchal blessing to the participants of the conference dedicated to the mobilization of the Diaspora. We welcome this important initiative, which addresses the complex challenges facing our people, defines ways to overcome them and our nationwide priorities, and reassesses relations between Armenia and the Diaspora.

Today, our people face both external and internal challenges. Divisions within our national life cause Deep concern, the spread of hatred, targeted attacks on national institutions, and the weakening of relations between Armenia and the Diaspora. The goal of the Church and all Armenian organizations is one — to consolidate the national potential, to make the homeland of all Armenians safe and secure, to strengthen cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora, and to preserve national identity.

Organizations, national associations, and public figures traditionally participating in the conference and representing various segments of the Armenian people have, under the spiritual protection of our Holy Church, made an undeniable contribution to the sacred cause of restoring the independent statehood of Armenia and preserving the vitality of the Diaspora.

It is an established truth that the foundation of the continuity of Armenianness and Armenian identity lies in language, faith, national schooling, and an independent, sovereign state, under whose special care and attention the Diaspora and its primary needs must also remain.

Therefore, the preservation and strengthening of the Armenian state remains a foremost task of our people scattered across the world.

It is also necessary to ensure that every Armenian, without yielding to alien ideas and influences, in his whole being and spirit, remaining faithful to the values he professes, remains inseparably connected with his people and homeland, and directs his abilities and talents toward the progress of our nation and native country.

The organization of Diaspora communities, historically formed in various countries around the world, must be transformed into a unified force for the defense of the interests of the nation and the homeland.

Truly, the homeland will be weak without the support and devotion of the Diaspora, and the Diaspora will be vulnerable without a strong and prosperous Armenian state. Only through mutual support between Armenia and the Diaspora can the stable and flourishing life of our people be ensured, grounded in the sacred heritage of our ancestors and a common system of values.

In this regard, an important mission is borne by the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, our national structures, and institutions, so that the national and spiritual identity of Armenians scattered throughout the world may never fade or weaken, and the Armenian state may remain unshakable.

It is necessary to rethink the current processes of national life and, in a spirit of consensus, undertake effective measures to prevent harmful phenomena that threaten the homeland and the nation. Such conferences and discussions are an important step toward overcoming and resolving these issues.

In these Paschal days, We offer Our prayer that Almighty God may grant wisdom to the leaders of nations to restore peace throughout the world and in the life of humanity. May the Lord our Savior keep our homeland safe and secure, and enlighten our people with the light of His Holy Resurrection, so that they may steadfastly walk in paths pleasing to God and, in firm faith, build a renewed life and a bright future.

We express Our gratitude to the organizers of the conference and to all participants, and wish you fruitful proceedings.

With blessings,
GAREGIN II
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
Paris, April 11–12, 2026