YEREVAN. - Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II addressed the nation with a congratulatory message on the coming New Year, Armenian News-NEWS.am reports.

In his message the Catholicos expressed the hope for the peace in the world and for “no voices of hatred and thunder of war.”

“With the grace of God in 2013 we have received good fruits and also suffered difficulties – both at the homeland and in the Diaspora. We still face the issues of our country’s development, protection of our legitimate rights, strengthening of our statehood, improvement of our national and spiritual life,” reads the message of Karekin II. “We are concerned about the difficult situation of Armenians living in hardships in the Middle East.”

Armenian Catholicos added that he prays for Armenians who are in trouble and face difficulties.

“We express our best wishes to the soldiers of the Armenian Army protecting the borders of our country and to everyone who meets the beginning of the year while on duty. May the Lord grant us all a year full of good health, happiness and joy,” resumed Karekin II.