April War Sent Us the Message of Persevering in Prayer: RA AF Head Chaplain (Exclusive)

• 04.04.2019, 18:51
•  Region,  Armenia,  NKR,  Interview

The night of April 2, 2016 Azerbaijan brutally violated the agreements of May 12, 1994 on ceasefire and of February 6, 1995 on the settlement of incidents and unleashed a large-scale assault across the border of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan's armed forces. The April four-day war resulted in big numbers of casualties in both sides.

“Armedia” IAA talked to His Grace Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, Head Chaplain of the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces.  

- Your Grace, what lessons did we learn from the four-day war and what changes would you like to see in the army?

-Our Lord God says, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” I think the April war sent us the message of keeping vigil and persevering in prayer. In the days of the April war the Armenian people, as a collective unity, manifested themselves at their best. I would like that powerful, unanimous and adamant spirit to prevail in our national life.

- What role did the regiment elders play in the four-day war?  

-First, the clergy being beside the military at that crucial moment is significant, second it was due to their blessings, prayers and encouragement that our fight turns out fair and our path blessed.

-What ministry do the regiment elders make for the spiritual revival of the soldiers who constantly face war?  

- The key mission of ministry of the regiment elders as well clergy in general is the salvation of believers in their flock. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another…” There is no bigger love than “laying down your life” for your beloved ones, Jesus Christ says in the Gospel of John. To walk in high sense of patriotism, it is important to convey the spirit of this gospel love to the soldier and officer who daily jeopardize the most precious thing for peaceful and prosperous life of our homeland.