Karekin II`s congratulatory message to Karapetyan: You are  celebrating this honorable anniversary, being in unjust imprisonment  for your courageous stance

ArmInfo. Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, sent a congratulatory message to national philanthropist and head of the Tashir Group of Companies Samvel  Karapetyan on the occasion of his 60th birthday. He has been in  prison for the last three months on charges of allegedly calling for  the seizure of power in the country. His Holiness's congratulatory  message, which we present here with some abbreviations, reads: "Dear  Mr. Karapetyan, on behalf of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we  want to express our love, blessings and heartfelt congratulations to  you, an outstanding Armenian, on your 60th birthday.

You are celebrating this honorable anniversary while being unjustly  imprisoned for your courageous stance and courageous spirit  demonstrated in defending our Holy Church. Unfortunately.  Unfortunately, we are unable to visit you and convey our best wishes   in person. However, we are praying for you together with our clergy  and the faithful. We have no doubt that you remain strong in spirit  and unwavering in your characteristic steadfastness and integrity.

You have served our people with spontaneous enthusiasm, contributing  to overcoming numerous issues in Armenia, Artsakh and various  Armenian communities around the world, as well as implementing large-  scale programs for the development of Armenian life. Through your  activities for the benefit of the nation and the homeland, you have  earned the love and respect of our people, leading to being awarded  the high title of national benefactor. You have also contributed your  righteous merits to the service of our Holy Armenian Apostolic Church  and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Your love for the church and  for Etchmiadzin is exceptional and creative, it has already been  imprinted on the bright pages of modern Armenian history.

Before the Holy See of the Descent of the Only Begotten, we offer a  prayer to the Heavenly Lord for a speedy return to your home. May  Almighty God grant you long life, courage and fortitude in trials,  and to the dear Karapetyan family - strength and patience. May  Almighty God keep our homeland peaceful and safe, grant our believing  people a dignified and prosperous life."

Karapetyan also received congratulations from the second President of  Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who once again called businessman's arrest   illegal, and several other public and political figures.