In his sermon today at the St. Gayaneh Monastery in Etchmiadzin during a mass to celebrate Army Day, Father Movses Sargsyan said: The Bible teaches us that God wants peace, but that those who believe in God must establish peace, even by waging war.”

Father Sargsyan, the Armenian Army’s head chaplain, said the Armenian Apostolic Church has long documented the fact that for the sake of peace one must always be prepared for war.

According to a statement released by the Etchiadzin Mother See, he said Christians are compelled, by their love of God and fellow humans, to seek a righteous peace and that the army is fundamental in this regard.

“Dear friends, the Armenian Army, which fought many wars for peace and security and is ready to face the threats of war today, is celebrating the 32nd anniversary of its formation, and the army continues to be the only force that can establish peace and ensure the tranquility of the state. It’s Armenia’s Armed Forces that will establish and enforce God's peace for our country, and the blessed peacemakers are the faithful officers and soldiers of those same armed forces,” Father Sargsyan said.