Dying unknowingly is death, dying knowingly-immortality.

(YEGHISHE)

Refusing to condemn the old and new genocides, the barbaric and blood-thirsty enemy tried to perpetrate another ��?April’ against the Armenians, but after receiving a decisive and deserving counterattack, it was thrown out of the borders of our homeland. Not having healed the old and new wounds, the nation having lost numerous sons stood up once again and defended the sacred land at the expense of lives.

Along with Armenian churches around the world, after the Holy Mass at the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of Odessa, Father Abgar Priest Gilitchyan performed a Requiem Service in memory of the Armenians killed during the clashes and in bordering villages and a prayer for the recovery of wounded Armenian soldiers.

The priest urged everyone to say a unified prayer and light candles for peace in Mother Armenia and Artsakh. “With cherished emotions and with the spirit of unity, we have gathered here to express respect, to pray for the brave men defending the homeland and for peace to the Armenians having seen many miseries.”

Afterwards, the spiritual pastor led the compatriots to the hall of the cultural center to participate in the event devoted to the symbol of the day. All Armenians of Odessa had gathered.

The floor was given to Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Odessa Georgi Muradyan. Mr. Muradyan presented in detail Armenia’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and the willingness to respond to the calls of the international community, stressing that we Armenians, our brave and efficient army are our hope and that they are ready to not only defend the homeland, but also give the disrespectful enemy the answer that it deserves. He also stated that at the hour of danger, the authorities and opposition of Armenia have set aside their different political views and have come together for the sake of Artsakh, Armenia and the Armenian people. It is our duty to be guided by the motto “Ten Million-One Fist” so that the counterattack is powerful. The wave of wrath and anger rose like the wave in the painting of the brilliant seascape artist…

According to editor-in-chief of “Haikakan Lratu” magazine Medea Atyan, this was a new Avarayr battle that was won not only due to the endeavors of the sons of the Armenian nation. “The symbol of Vardanants is eternal. It has been with us throughout the centuries and will continue to be with us. Today, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora stand united as one, just like during the days o the Avarayr battle. Once again, we Armenians proved that the source of our power is the strength of the Artsakh-Homeland-Diaspora trinity and that our will is as strong as the stones…

With heart and soul, we stand with Armenia, Artsakh and the mothers having lost their sons,” the patriotic Armenian woman continued. “However, during the days of catastrophe, the heroic and unbreakable spirit of the Armenians does not allow us to cry in despair because “invincible is the nation that is guided by the hand of the spirit”. The freedom-loving spirit of the Armenians was seen during the battle that lasted five days.

The students of the Armenian Sunday school also responded to these atrocious acts with their performances. They recited poems devoted to Artsakh, the Mother Homeland and their brave defenders, as well as performed songs, and the audience sang along.

Vice-president of the Armenian community Artem Karajyan urged everyone to be alert since the Armenians of Odessa are living in a multi-ethnic region and city and among nations following various religions. He especially urged young Armenians to resist their emotions, avoid referring to sources that provide imprecise information so that they don’t find themselves in undesired, much less dangerous situations.

The event ended with the priest’s inspiring words. He encouraged his compatriots to never fall. “Armed with faith and with the ��?weapon’ called justice, we have resisted all trials and tribulations. We have seen genocide, the Battle of Sardarapat and the Artsakh war. The Armenians have a big heart. We haven’t been against living side-by-side with our neighbors. However, we have the just and divine right to live on the native land that is our share and defend it in case of need, and may the Almighty God help us accomplish our sacred mission…

Incense…Prayers…May the memory of the just be a blessing!”

Narine Muradyan

Correspondent for “Vernatun” community newspaper, Odessa