Grand Opening of New Dormitories in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On April 25, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, blessed and officially opened the new dormitories for deacons in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, led by His Holiness, and surrounded by the builders, architects and guests conducted a Home Blessing service for the new residence.
The renovated building will be used to house newly ordained deacons who have graduated from the Kevorkian Theological Seminary, until they receive their Holy Orders. The building known as ?Ghazarapat? dates back to the first half of the 18th Century, and was originally constructed during the reign of Catholicos Ghazar I of Jahouk. It was renovated through the generosity of benefactors of the Mother See, Mr. and Mrs. Nazar and Ardemis Nazarian of the United States. The 22 new rooms, each with a private bath, are comfortably furnished.
The deacons, upon touring the building, expressed happiness with their new rooms. They stated that these new surroundings would undoubtedly assist in their studies, prayers and training for the priesthood.
His Holiness blessed the bread, water and salt of the new ?house?. He congratulated the deacons in his remarks, and asked for ?God?s blessings to descend on this residence, and to always keep it protected and safe under the shadow of the Holy Cross.? His Holiness also thanked the benefactors for their love of the Church and their wish to assist in the preparation of future clergymen.
The Catholicos of All Armenians also announced that plans have begun to construct another new residence building on the grounds of the Mother See. The new building will be used to house bishops and archimandrites of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, and should be completed by 2004.
