The Armenian Apostolic Church has been and remains one of the most important pillars of our national identity. President Armen Sarkissian sent a message to the Catholicos of All Armenians and Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Karekin II

The President of the Republic Armen Sarkissian sent a message to the Catholicos of All Armenians, and Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Karekin II.

The message says:

"Your Holiness,

On the eve of your birthday, I am sending you my warmest wishes for health and longevity.

The Armenian Apostolic Church has been and remains one of the most important pillars of our national identity, the axis that unites us and ensures the continuous presence of our faith, history, and traditions in the system of our values, our culture, and our inner world.

During the twenty-two years of your patriarchy, our church life has shown a lively interest in the issues of appreciating the past, expanding the present activities, and outlining the vision of the future. For the Armenian Church the past twenty-two years have been years of strengthening, reforming, and church building. During that time, steps were taken to make the mission of the Armenian Church more effective, and to regulate the church life.

As the Catholicos of All Armenians, especially these last years of your reign coincide with a period when our country and people are going through many difficulties and trials.

There is only one way to overcome any difficult situation: unity. In today's rapidly changing world, humanity is experiencing, among other crises, an identity crisis. Existing challenges and problems make it indispensable to unite around the spiritual and moral values ​​that are ever-lasting owing to our church.

Our people need hope, faith and trust; they need moral purity, solidary and united existence, mutual respect and tolerance; they need rebirth and re-evaluation. It is appreciated that, along with words of consolation, encouragement, and support, as a unique lesson of patriotism, this is also voiced by His Holiness.

From now on, let your patriarchal care support our country and people for the benefit of our Homeland, strengthening the people-state-church relations between the Armenians all over the world.

I wish strength of soul and all the best to you."