Cooperation Agreement Signed Between the Gevorkian Theological Seminary and St. Vladimir Seminary
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – June 2016
On June 17, with the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between the Gevorkian Theological Seminary and the St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary (USA) was held in the Auditorium of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary.
The ceremony was opened with the Lord’s Prayer and national anthems of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary were performed. Rev. Fr. Karekin Hambardzumyan, Dean of the Gevorkian Seminary gave opening remarks.
“In the last century, the Armenian Church clergy began their relationship with the St. Vladimir Theological Seminary, New York, that we can say is one of the most important institutions of higher education of the Orthodox tradition.
n the middle of the last century, the St. Vladimir Seminary has seen a phalange of theologians, such as George Florovsky, Nikolay Lossky, Alexander Schmemann, John Mayendorff and others, who brought Orthodox theology to a new height.
Each cooperative experience gives a new breath and vigor to the educational institutions. Through this Agreement, the purposes directed to the strengthening and development of relations between our institutions will be reinforced.
…Through the signing of the Agreement, we hope that the relations between our Churches in the field of education will become closer”, stated the Dean of the Seminary in part.
Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, Dean of the St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary (USA); and Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of the St. Nerses Armenian Seminary; delivered remarks on the occasion of the day.
Father John, sharing his impressions, emphasized that he feels very good visiting the first Christian country, as he has an opportunity to become more closely acquainted with the Christian values. Referring to the agreement, he stated that the project is a unique opportunity to expand the cooperation that the St. Vladimir Seminary has had with the St. Nerses Seminary for many years.
In his remarks, Father Mardiros noted with satisfaction that this day is also significant by the fact that the St. Nerses seminary, having only a half-century of history, is the connecting link in realizing the Agreement today.
One of the seminary students gave a recitation, and the Gevorkian Theological Seminary Choir performed songs by Komitas.
The ceremony was concluded with the remarks of His Grace Bishop Gevork Saroyan, Dean of the spiritual and educational institutions of the Mother See.
Bishop Gevork conveyed his personal appreciation to all those who brought the project to life and stated in part: “I am sure that we will mutually be witness to the beneficial results in the future, it will not only enrich our spiritual experience in the field of education, but will contribute to the deepening of relations between the two Churches. May God bless the mission of the Gevorkian, St. Vladimir and St. Nerses Seminaries”.
The signing of the Agreement concluded with the “Protector” prayer.
