If I Had the Opportunity, I Would Build a Statue of the Armenian Woman and Mother: Tsarukyan from Central Penitentiary

In a message from the Central Penitentiary, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, Gagik Tsarukyan, stated that if given the chance, he would without hesitation erect a statue of the Armenian woman and mother.

“Yesterday, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. I am confident that all Armenian churches were filled with believers—big and small, parents and children. Unfortunately, I was deprived of the opportunity to participate in this beautiful and enlightening holiday. The Armenian Apostolic Church honors women and mothers in a special way by placing the Mother of God at the highest point of the altar, directing its reverence and humility towards all Armenian mothers. Through difficulties and trials, a person begins to appreciate their true wealth more soberly and nobly. During this challenging period of tests, while being cut off from the outside world and communication with my dearest ones, I feel a clearer and stronger connection with my most precious people.

I feel fortunate to have enjoyed the blessing of having a mother for so many years. I cherish my good family, a wonderful wife—my life partner, and devoted, intelligent, and talented daughters, all of whom are now mothers of many children. I am going through this period as a phase of valuing what I have received and possess, and on this holiday dedicated to the Mother of God, I simply want to express gratitude for the human wealth that I have received in the face of the mother, wife, sister, and daughters that God has given me, as well as my sweet grandchildren. There cannot be more precious gifts or wealth one could ask for.

I wish that everyone could appreciate the blessings they have received and keep a feeling of gratitude in their hearts, regardless of the difficulties that the moment brings. It is that feeling that gives me strength now; it is that feeling that helps me look forward with faith. Months ago, in response to a young student’s question about whose statue I would build if I had the opportunity, I answered without a moment of thought: the Armenian woman, the Armenian mother. With all due respect to all mothers around the world, I have emphasized and will continue to emphasize the Armenian woman as a friend, as a mother, as the cornerstone of family and state. Now, without hesitation, I will reiterate the same. May God protect us all,” he noted.