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Call to prayer for Artsakh & Armenia

Published on 
September 29, 2023

Yesterday I had a visit from members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who expressed longing that we join them in prayers and build awareness of the terrible genocide occurring in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) right now. Armenian Christians have faced oppression over many decades, including a devastating genocide in 1915. The recent attack by Azerbaijan is the latest escalation and has led to thousands of Armenians fleeing to the border. There are reports of atrocities and deaths as well as a stated aim by Azerbaijan to erase the Armenian presence from that region. The Armenian Church has been present for centuries with a rich history of prayer, worship and witness.

His Holiness Aram I and His Holiness Karekin II have asked the Armenian church to pray for this situation—especially on October 1st.

We are committed to ‘championing the dignity of every human being’—by our baptismal promises and our transformational aspirations. I invite all Anglicans, as siblings in Christ with the Armenian Church, to join in prayer for an end to the hostilities and safety for Armenians in the region.

Prayer is the gift we can offer anywhere, anytime. Whether you pray on October 1st or in the weeks to come, remember the Armenian Church as you pray for justice and peace.

 In Christ,

[signed] +Linda Nicholls
Archbishop Linda Nicholls
Archbishop and Primate, Anglican Church of Canada

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.