His Holiness Karekin II Blesses New Vazkenian Seminary Building at Lake Sevan
07.09.2002
On Saturday, September 7, the opening ceremonies took place for the new Vazkenian Seminary Building at Lake Sevan. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided during the "Home Blessing" Service conducted in the presence of high-ranking clergy of the Armenian Church, seminarians, and over 60 guests from abroad.
Among those present were benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Karnig and Anahit Yacoubian of Canada, and their family. It is through their generosity that the new four-story building which will serve as dormitories, classrooms, and reception halls, was constructed.
Also present were benefactors of the Mother See, Mrs. Louise Manoogian Simone and Mr. and Mrs. Nazar Nazarian; the governor of the region of Gegharkunik, Mr. Vahagn Hakobian; and mayor of the city of Sevan, Mr. Ashot Alexanian.
The seminarians presented a musical program for the guests, after which Mr. Karnig Yacoubian spoke on behalf of his family. In his remarks, Mr. Yacoubian thanked His Holiness for the opportunity to help the Mother Church in this manner. He vowed to continue his efforts toward the strengthening of the motherland and the Armenian Church.
His Holiness Karekin II addressing the gathering, reflected upon the history of the foundation of the seminary. He fondly remembered his two predecessor Pontiffs of the Armenian Church, His Holiness Vazken I and His Holiness Karekin I, both of blessed memory. The Catholicos also thanked the AGBU for their continuing support for the seminary, noting that more than 50 graduates are currently serving as clergymen in the Armenian Church throughout the world.
As a sign of his appreciation, His Holiness awarded the 1,700th Anniversary of Armenia's Great Conversion Medals to Mr. and Mrs. Yacoubian. At the conclusion of the program, the guests went to the new chapel where a Repose of Souls service was rendered in memory of the members of the Yacoubian family who have fallen asleep in Christ.
Construction of the project began in 1996. The complex includes a new chapel, still under construction, which will be completed in 2003.
There are approximately 60 students currently enrolled in the Sevan Vazkenian Seminary, which was founded in 1990 by then Abp. Karekin Nersissian (currently Catholicos of All Armenians), and named after His Holiness Vazken I.
The dean of the seminary is Very Rev. Fr. Bagrat Galsdanian. A seminarian is enrolled for a five-year period and then goes on to complete his sixth and final year at the Gevorkian Theological Seminary in Holy Etchmiadzin, prior to his ordination to the diaconate.
The Sevan Vazkenian Seminary is one of three seminaries under the direct jurisdiction of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
