STEPANAKERT. – Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh, President Bako Sahakyan on Saturday issued a congratulatory letter to the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II.

“On behalf of the Artsakh people, authorities and myself, I congratulate you on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of your enthronement [as the Catholicos of All Armenians].

“During all these years you have been devotedly serving to our faithful nation’s welfare, strengthening the Armenian Apostolic Church, cementing the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity, developing the state-church relations, the realization of our national goals. This patriotic mission deserves the highest appreciation.

“I am confident that you will continue carrying out your patriotic activity successfully, enlightening the people’s souls with the powerful force of the Christian faith, and keeping united the Armenians who are spread around the world, since this is the only truthful way of building our bright future.

“I once again congratulate you on this significant event, wish peace, great health and long life to you, and eternal strength and prosperity to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,” the NKR President’s message runs.