Catholicos of All Armenians: The Armenian Armed Forces are one of the  key pillars of Armenian statehood

ArmInfo.The Armenian army stands as a fundamental pillar of Armenian statehood, called upon to ensure  the peace and security of the Armenian people, as  stated in a message from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, issued on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces.

"From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we convey our paternal love  and patriarchal blessing to the officers and soldiers of the Armenian  Army, as well as to our entire nation, in honor of Army Day. The  Armenian Army is one of the fundamental pillars of our statehood,  called upon to ensure the peace and security of our people," reads  the message released by  the Mother See 's press office.

The Catholicos of All Armenians recalled that during the war  unleashed by Azerbaijan to occupy Artsakh, Armenian soldiers bravely  fought against the enemy, with many  making the ultimate sacrifice.   His Holiness expressed confidence that their heroic deeds will remain  a source of inspiration for Armenian servicemen to   serve with  devotion.

 "I pray that the Armenian army, as the vigilant defender of our  country, continues to bravely guard the borders of our state, showing  courage and resilience through faith in God. As the Apostle said: 'Be  strong in the Lord and in the power of His might' (Ephesians 6:10).  In prayer to God, we ask that He protects and supports the officers  and soldiers of our army with His holy right hand, and that peace  prevails throughout the world and in our homeland, and that our  faithful people may live in safety and prosperity, reaching new  heights. Amen,"  Karekin II concluded.

Recall, on January 28, 1992, the decree establishing the Armed Forces  of the Republic of Armenia was officially signed.

It should be noted that the National Assembly of Armenia recently  passed a law declaring January 27 as a Day of Remembrance for those  who fell for the Motherland. Opposition forces tend to believe that  establishing a Day of Remembrance  just one day before the  celebration of Army Day is an attempt by the authorities to  overshadow the significance of the Armenian Army's formation.