Your Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and Mexico,
On the blessed occasion of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the coming New Year, we extend to you all our pontifical blessings and heartfelt greetings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
We close the year with the realization that the difficulties surrounding the Armenian life have not be surmounted yet. More than a year has passed since the Artsakh war, yet the tragic consequences continue to haunt us in Armenian, as well as in the Diaspora. Grieving of our losses becomes even more painful, given the fact that we still have POWs, solders that have been lost, unstable situation along the border, from where the enemy constantly attempts to encroach.
In the midst of this turmoil, the good tidings of Christ’s birth become a beacon of light and hope; as the Evangelist puts it, “Today, the Savior was born unto you.” LUKE 2:11
This angelic proclamation engulfs us with spiritual comfort and renewed hope so that we may remain steadfast and courageous, embracing the promise of the brighter future, as exhorted to us by our Lord in these words, “Fear not; Just believe.” LUKE 8:50
In honoring the eternal memory of our fallen soldiers, we ought to find strength and inspiration to re-group and re-position so that may fulfil or nation dreams and secure a brighter for Armenia and Artsakh.
At the threshold of 2022, we kneel down and pray before the Incarnated God, asking Him to shower upon us His life-giving grace. Through the Nativity and Theophany, we receive the divine message of love and peace. Furthermore, we pray for the world peace and the stability of our homeland. We also offer prayers for your Diocese, the clergy, the faithful, the Diocesan Council and all the auxiliary bodies. May God keep his loving watch over you so that you may continue your God-pleasing mission for the benefit of our nation and for the glory of God.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Christ is born and revealed.
Blessed is the revelation of Christ.
Karekin II
Catholicos of all Armenians