Gevorkian Theological Seminary 2013-2014 Academic Year Closing Ceremony at the Mother See

On 11th July, the 2013-2014 academic year closing ceremony of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary was held in the Events Auditorium, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Also present at the ceremony were members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, Mr. Haig Didizian, benefactor of the Mother See, faculty, staff, and seminarians.

Following the Lord’s Prayer and the Gevorkian Theological Seminary hymn, His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, Head of the Educational Institutions of the Mother See and Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary, summed up the 2013-2014 academic year, noting the important achievements that have taken place in the educational institutions of the Mother See. Bishop Gevorg was particularly gratified that numerous guest lectures have been presented at the Gevorkian Theological Seminary by various well-known experts, and introductory and cultural visits have been organized. In his remarks, Bishop Gevorg noted that several groups have recently been formed at the seminary, the participation of seminary students in Church social programs, and the works that have been published as part of the «Sermatsan» series through the efforts of the students. The Dean also noted the fruitful cooperation that has taken place between the seminary and other educational and spiritual institutions in Armenia and abroad.

Following the opening remarks, the students and choir of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary gave a performance of patriotic poems and songs, under the direction of Ruben Asatryan, celebrated member of the arts of the Republic of Armenia.

The seminary’s academic year closing ceremony was concluded with a blessing and a message from the Catholicos of All Armenians. His Holiness expressed his satisfaction with the successes that have been achieved and the progress that has been made within the educational establishments of the Mother See, expressing his appreciation for the efforts that have been made and the work that has been carried out by the administrative and academic staff. The Catholicos reaffirmed that the activities of the seminary must have as their aim the education of worthy priests, not only providing the students with knowledge, but cultivating within them the will and the vision to make their entry into the ecclesiastical world, so that they might be ready to follow in the footsteps of the Apostles, continue the church fathers’ bright and dedicated mission, and add new and glorious pages to the history of the Armenian church.

Addressing this year’s 32 graduates of the seminary and 10 graduates of the Priests preparation course, His Holiness advised: “Each of you should be well aware of his own unique way of making the Church stronger and more glorious, of carrying out the Lord’s saving mission in the life of our people, strengthening their spiritual life and leading them to salvation. The path to salvation is a difficult path, full of satanic temptations. We will accomplish all this if we have a vision, and the will to implement this vision. Otherwise, no-one coming out of the institution of the seminary will be able to achieve good results either for himself or for our holy Church. Every student who sits at a seminary desk must build his dream, his vision of his future activities as a priest. Thus our Church will become stronger, the mission of our Church will be successful, and the glory of the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia will shine and radiate light on the life of our nation.”

The Catholicos of All Armenians urged those students who are continuing their education at the seminary to remain faithful to the message of the seminary hymn, to be the children of a great vision, brave soldiers who will fight for and preserve our national values, and, making the best use of their time spent studying in this spiritual institution, to arm themselves with knowledge, strengthen themselves with dreams and visions, and, as worthy sons of our nation and worthy servants of our holy Church, justify all the hopes and expectations of our people.

The ceremony was closed with the “Protector” prayer and Pontifical blessings.

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