Addressing a rally today in the Artsakh capital Stepanakert, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Diocese of Artsakh Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan said the struggle to preserve the country’s Armenian identity and freedom “is a war between evil and good, darkness and light, nomads and natives.”

The rally, attended by thousands in Stepanakert’s Revival Square, was backed by all factions of the country’s National Assembly.

Bishop Abrahamyan echoed the sentiments of other speakers that Artsakh faces serious challenges following the 2020 military defeat and pointed an accusatory finger to certain external and internal forces that seek to divide Artsakh Armenians and settle the conflict behind their back.

“We are in a life and death struggle, and they are trying to decide our right to live without us. Evil forces are trying to depopulate Artsakh and make decisions not in our favor,” the primate said addressing the crowd.

He said those who support stand on the side of justice and civilization and urges rallygoers to remain steadfast and continue the struggle for self-determination launched by the Karabakh Movement of the late 1980s.

“Today, there is only one way to solve the Artsakh issue, a free and self-determined Artsakh. It is with this conviction that we have been saying yes to self-determination for thirty years.”

Bishop Abrahamyan said the church stands firmly with the people of Artsakh and thanked Russia for sending peacekeepers to Karabakh.

He said God will save Artsakh from its enemies if Armenians there lead a life of faith and virtue.

“Let's wear the armor of God. Let’s put on the robe of faith, raise the shield of virtues and the sword of justice, and become one union that really matches the people of Artsakh.”

(Coverage of the rally HERE)

P.S. Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan, in a Facebook post, estimated today's crowd at 40,000. He said this number represents one-third of the country's population. Whether 120,000 Armenians live there remains questionable following the displacement of thousands due to the 2020 war.