Scouts of 12th General Armenian Physical Culture Union makepilgrimage  to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

ArmInfo.  About 850 scouts of the 12th General Armenian Physical Culture Union (GAPS), known in the world as Homenetmen, made a pilgrimage to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, accompanied by members of the Central Board.

As reported by the press office of the Mother See of Holy  Etchmiadzin, on this occasion, under the chairmanship of His Holiness  Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, a  blessing ceremony for the participants of the games was held in the  cathedral.

"It is extremely important for you to participate in such exercises  and competitions, which are a means of strengthening the body and,  through consistent work, endurance and fortitude, achieving future  victories.  Exercises and competitions are also a means of  strengthening the soul, so that, relying on God, we can endure all  trials and difficulties and steadily move towards victory. Therefore,  such events, organized periodically, in their meaning and mission  mean more than just sports competitions," the Armenian Patriarch  noted at the end of the meeting.

Speaking about the numerous difficulties and problems faced by the  Armenian people and homeland, His Holiness emphasized that as a  result of the Artsakh war, the homeland continues to face serious  security challenges, the displaced Armenians of Artsakh are  experiencing poverty, disunity and intolerance are deepening in  public life, and the feeling of uncertainty about the future is  becoming increasingly alarming.

"We are convinced that justice must prevail, and with joint efforts  we must not allow fratricidal hatred, lies and atrocities to prevail  in our lives and undermine national unity. Even in this most  difficult situation for the Motherland, there is no need to despair  and feel disappointment. You, born and raised in different countries  of the world, as well as in Armenia and Artsakh, are responsible for  building a bright future for our people, for serving with your  strength and abilities in the name of the nation and the Motherland,"  he noted.

At the same time, he added that the Armenian youth is entrusted with  the mission of strengthening national unity, preserving and renewing  fruitful ties between Armenia and the Diaspora. "For the successful  fulfillment of this commitment, your patriotism, national  self-awareness, will and determination to strengthen the Armenian  statehood, the unshakable preservation of our centuries-old value  system are of particular importance," said the Armenian Patriarch,  calling on the young scouts to keep in their souls a burning love for  the homeland, to draw strength from their native land and  centuries-old shrines, to be inspired by the creative deeds of our  fathers, to remain faithful to national and spiritual values, to  strengthen in their hearts filial devotion to the homeland, the Holy  Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

His Holiness also called on the participants to preserve their  national identity, to be proud of Armenian history, the heritage  created by their ancestors, and the mighty spirit of the unwavering  struggle of the Armenian people for justice and an independent life.

"Always courageously defend the rights of our people and their just  cause," the Patriarch of All Armenians urged, expressing gratitude to  the organizers of the games and all those responsible for their  selfless and useful service to the country.