Republican Prayer Service on the Occasion of Armenian Army Day

Republican Prayer Service on the Occasion of Armenian Army Day 26.01.2025

 

On January 26, following the Divine Liturgy, a Republican Prayer Service commemorating Armenian Army Day was offered in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was Rev. Fr. Movses Sargsyan, Spiritual Leader of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. The service was attended by clergy, officers, and servicemen of the Armenian Armed Forces, and chaplains of the Spiritual Leadership of the Armed Forces.

In his homily, Father Movses reflected on the significance of the day, stating:
"God’s love for humanity was revealed through the sacrifice of His Only-Begotten Son. That same sacrificial love is at the heart of a defender’s mission. Today, we remember our fallen heroes who, remaining faithful to their military oath, displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness on the battlefield, offering their lives to save others. As our Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends’ (John 15:13).

Faith in God, nurtured by our Holy Church, strengthens every Armenian in the sacred duty of safeguarding the security and integrity of the homeland. For the Christian soldier, patriotism is fulfilling the divine commandment to love God and one’s neighbor."

Following his sermon, Father Movses extended congratulations on Army Day and prayed for the safety of Armenian soldiers and the accomplishments of the nation’s aspirations.

After the Divine Liturgy, the Republican Prayer Service was conducted under the presidency of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Together, clergy and the faithful lifted their prayers to Almighty God, beseeching His blessings upon the soldiers and officers of the Armenian Army, the safeguarding of the country’s borders, and His divine protection over the entire Armenian people.