Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, in a statement marking Armenia’s Republic Day, called on Armenians to unite to strengthen “our state and make the lives of all Armenians prosperous and beautiful.”

Armenia’s Republic Day is an official national holiday celebrated annually on May 28 to commemorate the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918. It is widely considered Armenia's National Day, marking the restoration of statehood following centuries of foreign rule.

“In a life-and-death struggle, the brave sons of our people, including the clergy of our Holy Church, won victory and secured for generations the just right to live independently and freely in their native land,” Karekin II wrote in his message, noting that Armenia today faces numerous external and internal challenges.