Closing ceremonies of the Gevorgian and Vaskenian Theological Seminaries in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On July 2, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the combined closing ceremonies of the 2007-2008 academic year for the Gevorkian and Vaskenian Theological Seminaries. The event took place in the Komitas Concert Hall in the Gevorkian Seminary on the grounds of the Mother See.
Following an opening prayer, Very Rev. Fr. Sahak Mashalian, Dean of the Gevorkian Seminary, presented an annual report for the academic year. 38 sixth-level seminarians are graduating this year, out of a student body of 114, and will join the ranks of the Brotherhood of the Mother See.
Fr. Sahak stated that during the year, in addition to their studies and classroom work, the students traveled to cultural institutions, contributed articles to newspapers and periodicals, made pilgrimages to historical sites and held debates on different topics. He expressed hope that the 38 seminarians, who will henceforth serve the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, will use their knowledge and spiritual experiences that they gained during their studies.
Rev. Fr. Gevork Saroyan, Dean of the Vaskenian Theological Academy of Lake Sevan, also presented an annual report. Today the Academy has 63 students in four levels. Fr. Gevork reflected on the achievements of the seminary stating that the teaching staff had been expanded, the academy had strengthened ties with other higher educational institutions in the Republic of Armenia, conducted seminars with guest lecturers of scholars, academicians and experts in varied fields, organized pilgrimages to historic Armenian sanctuaries and held numerous seminars. The resources of the academy’s library have been expanded to include additional religious and foreign language publications. He also reported that the first issue of the "Vaskenian Academy" periodical was published. Finally, the academy choir is preparing to release their second CD, which will include 10 spiritual songs and is dedicated to the upcoming official Blessing of the Holy Muron ceremony
As has become tradition, His Holiness Karekin II awarded prizes to the students who achieved high marks in their coursework. Gifts and certificates were also awarded to the classes and students who excelled in the football and chess competitions of the Seminary.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Holiness expressed his appreciation and delivered his blessing to the people in attendance. His Holiness thanked the administrations and the teaching staff of the seminaries for their work and dedication, commenting on the importance of devout clergy in the life of the Armenian people throughout the world.
His Holiness stressed that despite record numbers of new priests being ordained, there still exist many churches in Armenia and the Diaspora which await new clergymen. He stated that our people expect a priest to have strong faith, a desire to serve, a vision for a prosperous homeland and love for mankind. The Catholicos also noted that each priest must inspire, educate and console his flock through the preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ’s commandments from the altars of our churches, so that they become the way of life for our devout nation.
His Holiness concluded his comments by calling upon the seminarians to fortify the oath within their souls to make a difference in life through their diligent work and tireless devotion.
