Conference Dedicated to 20th Anniversary of the Founding of Vaskenian Academy

Armenian Church – Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On December 18, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over a conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Vaskenian Theological Academy. Present for the conference were high ranking clergy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Mr. Armen Ashotian, Ministry of the Science and Education of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Aram Simonian, Rector of Yerevan State University, and Mr. Ruben Mirzakhanian, Rector of the Pedagogical University.

Following opening remarks by Rev. Fr. Shnork Sargsian, Dean of the Vaskenian Academy, Minister Ashotian conveyed his congratulatory message to the attendees. Reflecting on the importance of spiritual education, the Minister stated in part, “Spiritual education is always timely and in great demand, especially in the 21st century, a century which is pessimistically characterized by many analysts as a century during which people will try to be isolated from God”.

Minister Ashotian bestowed His Holiness with the Golden Medal of the RA Science and Education Ministry, for his resolved mission to the maintenance and development of national and spiritual values, as well as for his grand contribution towards the spiritual education of the younger generation, and in the sphere of science and education. Afterwards, several accomplished professors of the Gevorkian and Vaskenian Seminary were granted with the letters of appreciation of the RA Ministry of Science and Education.

During the celebration, Mr. Aram Simonian, Rector of Yerevan State University, extended his message of congratulations in honor of the occasion. His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukian spoke on behalf of the graduates of the Academy. Mr. Amatuni Virabian, Director of the National Archives in Armenia; and Mr. Gevorg Ter-Vardanian, Director of the Manuscript Depositary of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran; gave presentations on the history of the Vaskenian Theological Academy.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Pontiff of All Armenians extended his message of blessings to the people in attendance. “With the assistance of God, the vision to establish this spiritual educational institution has become a reality. Today our souls rejoice as the Vaskenian Theological Academy gives its efforts and contributions to our national ecclesiastical life. The Academy keeps the heritage and continues the traditions of the School for Archimandrites, which operated for several centuries at the Monastery in Sevan and was known for Its efficient and important mission. During these twenty years the academy has educated priests, preparing spiritual servants for the Armenian faithful. We extend our heart-felt prayer to Almighty God, asking Him to grant success to the educational institutions of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, to protect and keep the administrative and professorial staff and the beloved students under His Omnipotent Right Hand, and always send his heavenly blessings to our educational institutions. May the love, grace and peace of the Lord always be with us, today and forever, Amen”.

At the end, the Armenian Pontiff extended his appreciation to all those who have contributed to the prosperity of the Academy.

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