Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On December 12, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; and with the attendance of Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan, RA Minister of Education and Science, the 2017 Teacher of the Year awards ceremony was held in the Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan Youth Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The annual national competition was held on the following subjects: History of Armenia; History of the Armenian Church; Armenian Language and Literature, and Natural Sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology).

The Teacher of the Year contest is held under the patronage of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with the joint efforts of the Armenia Ministry of Education and Science, and the Christian Education Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Ms. Silva Ter-Stepanyan (USA) has been the the benefactor of the annual award ceremony since 2003.

The ceremony was opened with the Lord’s Prayer following which Rev. Fr. Vardan Navasardian, Director of the Christian Education Department of the Mother See, welcomed the attendees. Fr. Vardan stressed that the Teacher of the Year Contest complements the important achievements of the year, and aims at encouraging the educational system.

“The Church has always taken on the mission of being a leader in the educational system, and nowdays also, under the guidance and wisdom of the Armenian Pontiff; it has assumed the task of commending teachers. Where there is light, that light should be put in a high place to illuminate many children's thoughts, and become an example of important national and Christian values”, stated His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan.

Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan, Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, also made welcoming  remarks, noting that the teacher's job requires a lasting appreciation and the event, jointly organized with the Mother See, is that assessment of their work. “This contest is the multifaceted presence of Holy Etchmiadzin in the education system that helps us to form a conscious and civilized generation. Often, education is viewed only as knowledge; but in reality knowledge is necessary but not a sufficient enough condition to be an educated person. An educated person is the type that has actual knowledge which he uses for high purposes. It is the continuous development of our people, our species, in the messy world and these difficult times”, said Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan, expressing gratitude to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for the valuable important role in the education system. The Minister also expressed gratitude to the pedagogical staff for their daily tireless work which ensures the stability of the country and the step by step development.

On this festive occasion Ms. Rouzanna Mouradian, RA Deputy of National Assembly, and a member of the NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport; made remarks. She noted that the award ceremony was an important testimony to the Church-state cooperation; and reflected on the important role of the Church in the formation of the value system of the younger generation.

His Holiness and the RA Minister of Science and Education presented the teachers with
certificates, a cash prize and religious publications.

First place was awarded to Ms. Gayane Khanamiryan, teacher of History of Armenia at the Primary School #3 in Gavar, Gegharkunik region; Ms. Armenuhi Khachatryan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Primary School #6 in Artik, Shirak region; Ms. Gohar Hayruni, teacher of Armenian Language and  Literature at the Shirvanzade Primary School #21 in Yerevan; Ms. Tamara Mirzoyan, Head of Class at the Amirjanyan Primary Scholl #155 in Yerevan; Ms. Anahit Karapetyan, teacher of Biology at the Secondary School in Jrapi, Shirak region; and Mr. Ashot Astonyan, teacher of Physics at the ‘Photon’ College in Gyumri, Shirak region.

Second place prizes were awarded to Ms. Susanna Saghatelyan, teacher of History of Armenia at the Secondary School in Oshakan, Aragatsotn region; Ms. Tamara Karapetyan, teacher of History of Armenia at the Primary School #6 in Gyumri, Shirak region; Ms. Naira Petrosyan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Secondary School #2 in Ayntap, Ararat region; Ms. Nazik Gishyan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Primary School #19 in Vanadzor, Lori region; Ms. Varduhi Ghazaryan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Primary School #6 in Gyumri, Shirak region; Ms. Astghik Sahakyan, teacher of Armenian Language and Literature at the Ijevan College, Tavoush region; Ms. Sousanna Hakobyan, teacher  of Armenian Language and Literature at the High School #105 in Yerevan; Ms. Ella Martirosyan, Head of Class at the Primary School #9 in Hrazdan, Kotayk region; Ms. Gayane Martirosyan, teacher of Physics at the High School #37 in Gyumri, Shirak region; Ms. Sousanna Tonoyan, teacher of Physics at the Primary School #6 in Vagharshapat, Armavir region.

Third place was awarded to Ms. Liana Matinyan, teacher of History of Armenia at the High School #10 in Vanadzor, Lori region; Ms. Rouzanna Dilakyan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Secondary School in Lernanist, Kotayk region; Mr. Arkadi Akopov, teacher of History of Armenia at the Secondary School in Mayisian, Shirak region; Ms. Karine Sargsyan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Secondary School in Mastara, Aragatsotn region; Ms. Nvard Hovsepyan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the Pushkin Primary School #8 in Yerevan; Ms. Astghik Bostanchian, teacher of Armenian Language and Literature at the Primary School #5 in Gavar, Gegharkunik region; Ms. Liana Ikilikyan, teacher of Armenian Language and Literature at the Secondary School in Azatani, Shirak region; Ms. Heriknaz Karapetyan, teacher of Armenian Language and Literature at the High School #118 in Yerevan;  Ms. Nona Poghosyan, Head of Class at the Primary School #10 in Abovyan, Kotayk region; Mr. Tigran Sargsyan, teacher of History of the Armenian Church at the ‘Tatev’ School in Yerevan; Ms. Alvard Ghazaryan, Head of Class at the ‘Vardanank’ educational complex in Yerevan; Ms. Louiza Vardanyan, teacher of Chemistry at the High School #4 in Goris, Syunik region.

Certificates and gifts were rewarded to the remaining 70 teachers.

Following the award ceremony, Ms. Gohar Hayruni, one of the first prize teachers made remarks. She expressed gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Minister of Education and Science and all the organizers, joyfully stating that the role of the teacher is highlighted in the public life through this contest.

Artistic numbers were performed by the choir of the Gyumri Youth Center of Mother See and orchestras and the dance ensemble of Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan Youth Center.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his blessings to the attendees.

Welcoming the teachers on the occasion of the ceremony that has become a tradition, His Holiness stated in part: “The award ceremony is called to re-evaluate the work of teachers devoted to the education and upbringing of our younger generation, also to appreciate and encourage our teachers in their responsible and dedicated mission.

The Bible Ecclesiastes says: “A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine” (Eccl. 1: 1). Dear teachers, today you are granted with that grace, where through your rich knowledge and wisdom of soul give light to your pupils. In today’s rapidly evolving and changing world, education, designing and shaping individualities are priorities for the nation and the state. Now, you, the humble and simple servants of science and education, with the light of your mental and spiritual wisdom are able to prepare a healthy and powerful generation who will improve our homeland and national life, protect our borders and protect our people's rights. We are convinced that this consciousness, this vision, daily inspires you in your work.

We are pleased to note that the Ministry of Education and Science strives to make the education modern in our country, also worthily appreciate the work of the teachers. We are glad that the cooperation of our Church and the Ministry is strengthened for the benefit of our children's spiritual cognition and the spreading of faith in their spirit, so that they walk in the true path and be worthy children of our country and people. To be a happy nation with a prosperous state and national life: this must become the purpose of our education”.

His Holiness conveyed his Pontifical appreciation to Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan and Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, for supporting the Church initiatives, as well as to Bishop Vardan, Director of the Christian Education Center and the CEC staff.
The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his blessings to the awards ceremony benefactor, wishing the Almighty God bless the great philanthropist for her patriotic deeds.
His Holiness also wished that the teachers be under the guidance of Holy God, highly appreciating their zealous efforts.

The Catholicos of All Armenians offered prayers to the Almighty to keep the mind and spirit of the children bright and grant new energy and vigor, for the benefit of the prosperity and enlightenment of all our national educational institutions.

The award ceremony was concluded with the ‘Protector’ prayer.