Opening of the Renovated Building at the Turpanjian Theological High School
19.06.2017
On June 19, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; the opening ceremony was held for a renovated building at the Turpanjian Theological High School, in the Harich Monastery. The school has been renovated and operates by the generous sponsorship of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian (Los Angeles, USA).
Attending the ceremony were His Grace Bishop Michael Ajapahyan, Primate of the Diocese of Shirak; Bishops of the Mother See; Rev. Fr. Narek Avagyan, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Artik; Members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See; Mr. Artur Khachatryan, Governor of Shirak; Mr. Mkhitar Varagyan, Mayor of Artik; regional goverment authorities, as well as Mr. Lori Mncheryan, Mr. Paul Turpanjian, and Mr. Harry Turpanjian and other Turpanjian family members.
The visit to Harich Seminary began with the unveiling of the dedication plaque, following which the Catholicos of All Armenians presided over a Prayer of Thanks offered in the Holy Mother of God Church of the historical monastery. The Locum Tenens of the Artik Diocese welcomed the attendees, expressing happiness that the vision of the Armenian Pontiff was brought to life, and thanks to the zealous work and donation of the benefactors, the church and the surrounding buildings are resurrected.
Students of the Nor Nork, Arabkir and Gymri Youth Centers greeted the guests with folk songs and dance performances in the courtyard of the monastery.
After touring the grounds, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, a Blessing service was held in the renovated building.
At the conclusion, His Grace Bishop Gevork Saroyan, Dean of the Spiritual-educational institutions of Mother See made welcoming remarks. Bishop Gevork stated that the most important factor in protecting the identity of the Armenian people is having an educated generation, and that was the purpose of the establishment of the Turpanjian High School in 2012 by the Armenian Pontiff. Bishop Gevork stressed that the school has already taken its worthy place among the spiritual-educational institutions of the Mother See, yielding more than fifty graduates in the past years, who have joined both spiritual and secular schools. Expressing gratitude to the benefactors' family, the Dean stressed that they serve as a good example for their future generations. He also assured that the renovated building will serve to the needs of the school.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; expressed his joy, stressing that thanks to the efforts of the Catholicos of All Armenians and generosity of the Turpanjian family, they were witnessing an important and historic event in the life of the Armenian Church. Attesting to the devoted life of the Turpanjian family, their faithful and humane spirit, as well as their love towards Holy Etchmiadzin, Archbishop Hovnan stated that the nation's life becomes everlasting when attention is paid to the upbringing and education of the nation. His Eminence expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for this patriotic realization, on the occasion of the establishment of the school.
The Governor of Shirak, Mr. Artur Khachatryan, welcomed the family of the benefactors and the Catholicos of All Armenians, highlighting the role and significance of the educational institution in the region and throughout Armenia. The Governor expressed confidence that the Seminary will continue to prepare educated and patriotic youth, who will make their worthy contribution in both spiritual and secular spheres, and will help to preserve national values, faith, and the Armenian identity.
The opening ceremony was concluded with the blessing remarks of Catholicos Karekin II. His Holiness offered glory to God for His graces conveyed to the ancient monastery complex.
His Holiness noted with satisfaction that through the support of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian, it became possible many years ago to realize the program of restoration and an educational life in the monastic complex. His Holiness confirmed that through the educational activities of the school, the monastic complex will again prosper.
His Holiness informed the attendees that the next phase of the extensive program is the renovation of the monastery and the development of the grounds, at the same time a new dormitory building will be
constructed for the school, enabling to increase the number of students.
On this occasion, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his appreciation to the Turpanjian family for their commitment and zeal. His Holiness also conveyed his blessings to Archbishop Hovnan, the eminary staff, and all clergymen and laymen who were actively participating in the completion of the work.
At the conclusion, the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his blessings to the attendees through the Protector Prayer.
