"We are confident that the general prayer initiated by the World Council of Churches will encourage the participation of Christian communities, diplomatic missions, the media and all relevant international organizations.
We sincerely hope that these spiritual efforts will raise global awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and contribute to a peaceful solution based on truth and justice," said His Holiness. Karekin the Second Catholicos of All Armenians.
Responding to this call, the World Council of Churches (WCC) invites all people of goodwill to join a day of prayer dedicated to Armenia on November 10, on the eve of the COP29 global climate summit in Azerbaijan, for the establishment of peace, support for refugees and the release of prisoners. 2020 The military aggression against Artsakh in September-October, the subsequent ten-month blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the 2023 The displacement of around 120,000 Armenians from their homeland in September remains an urgent problem. Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, also joined the call for a day of prayer. "We call on all religious communities, international organizations and people of good will to join us in our prayer, while strengthening efforts to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners from Baku.
We remind the international community participating in the COP29 summit that justice and peace are closely related and cannot be separated from each other. We cannot demand climate justice without condemning human rights violations," said Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
The Council notes that COP29 is a unique opportunity to call for the unconditional release of 23 Armenian prisoners, as well as Azerbaijani political prisoners and journalists in Azerbaijan prisons. President of the Council B. Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Ström, emphasizing that Armenia needs our prayers, specifically said: "The Christian faith has accompanied the Armenian people since the foundation of the Armenian Apostolic Church in 301... The future is uncertain." Bedford-Ström noted that God will guide the Armenian people and we can join God in our prayers. "Our prayers will reach their hearts and souls and strengthen them." Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillai called on all churches to join in prayer and appeal to the international community for continued support. "We remain in prayerful solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church and our ecumenical partners in Armenia," said Dr. Jerry Pillai, reiterating their call for a just and lasting peace. in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights laws. On November 10, in Geneva, at 17:00, the ECHR will organize a private prayer ceremony in St. Peter's Cathedral, in cooperation with the Armenian community.
Dear God, we appeal to you for the Armenian people. We thank you for all the graces you have blessed them with. with strong faith, magnificent churches, inspiring ceremonies, exceptional talents in the field of art and culture, as well as endurance to overcome all challenges throughout history.
We present to you the pain that darkens their lives these days, the tears that flow for loved ones who are victims of military aggression, the uncertainty and fear of the future of those who were forced to leave their homes and the loss of sacred churches destroyed in war. You are the light of the world. Send your light to all suffering hearts and inspire them again and again with your spirit of faith, love and hope.
