In light of the developments around Lachin and the alarming situation that has arisen, Lebanon’s three Armenian denominations have issued a joint appeal, which we present below:
With concern and horror, we follow the news of the closure by Azerbaijan of the only corridor connecting Artsakh to Armenia and of the gas pipeline.
In effect, even the small remnant saved from Artsakh is today subject to final loss.
After the 44-day war, we waited in vain for the international community to restrain Azerbaijan’s encroachments, to take the lead in addressing the noose tightening day by day around Artsakh, and to guarantee the security of the Armenian population of Artsakh. In the face of a situation that is a matter of life and death for our people, we also waited in vain for the authorities of Armenia to exert the necessary effort, with the task of uniting nationwide efforts and creating new vigour of self-defence in the life of the Armenian people.
Therefore, we hereby address an appeal to all the sons of our Lebanese-Armenian people and urge that, perceiving the dangers threatening our nation, we rally around our churches and institutions and, standing in solidarity with Artsakh, raise high the vision of a free, independent and united Armenia.
The Lebanese-Armenian community cannot remain indifferent to the issues affecting Artsakh. Yes, we are deprived of the possibility of living on the soil of the homeland, but we are a collective possessing a patriotic memory and an experience of being.
In the diaspora or in the homeland, the life of our people is a daily struggle for existence, and in that struggle we must all be present — clergy or lay, old and young — so that even in the conditions of these days we may find a new and luminous vision.
Undoubtedly, the history of the Armenian people has had tragic pages and glorious memories. Indeed, at times we have passed through paths of blood and been trampled, and at times we have been exiled and become victims of catastrophes. Yet we have always risen to our feet and, achieving glorious victories, have regained the right to sprout and bloom once more on the soil of the homeland.
In today’s darkened situation, let us remember that God continues to brighten with His love the lives of His beloved ones, so that He may always succeed in bringing forth luminous and hopeful conditions from the world’s difficulties and misfortunes.
Let us pray that the all-good protecting Right Hand of God protect Artsakh and Armenia, strengthen the sons of our people, and lead us all together toward more luminous and more hopeful conditions.
CATHOLICOSATE OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA
ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF LEBANON
ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF LEBANON
