On July 20, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II welcomed participants of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s 12th Pan-Armenian Youth and Student Camp to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The attendees arrived from various countries, accompanied by ARF Bureau member Hovsep Ter-Gevorgyan and ARF Armenia Supreme Council member Gegham Manukyan.
During the meeting, Mr. Ter-Gevorgyan requested the Patriarch’s blessing, highlighting that this year’s camp is held under the motto “We Shall Return,” emphasizing a call to reconnect with national roots and spiritual values.
The Catholicos extended his fatherly blessing and expressed gratitude to the ARF’s youth and student structures for uniting young Armenians in the homeland. He noted that such gatherings help strengthen the national and spiritual identity of the youth and deepen their commitment to Armenia.
Stressing the importance of national identity and spiritual values, Karekin II stated: “A youth with uncompromising love for the homeland and strong national character is the foundation of its strength and the key to the nation’s continuity.”
The Catholicos also addressed urgent concerns such as the occupation of Artsakh, the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians, the return of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan, and the preservation of Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in Artsakh. He underscored the complex domestic situation, emphasizing the need for national unity to defend the homeland, protect pan-national interests, and overcome current challenges.
Closing the meeting, His Holiness offered well wishes to the youth, expressing hope that they would be guided by a patriotic spirit and determination in their mission to defend Armenia and build a peaceful and prosperous future for the nation.
