PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE 76TH ACADEMIC YEAR OF THE
SEMINARY KICKS OFF
The Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia resumed its functions on
October 10 with the launch of the academic year 2005-2006, its 76th since it
was established 75 years ago.
The official launch of the academic year was held early in the morning in
Bikfayya under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I. Primate of the Diocese
of Lebanon Bishop Kegham Khatcherian presided over the event, which was
attended by Seminary’s faculty, former dean and long time professor Mr.
Kevork Kandaharian, members of the Cilician Brotherhood, deacons and around
60 old and new Seminary students.
The event started with the performance of Alma Mater of the Seminary and the
“Vork Zartaretsin” hymn by the Seminary’s choir under the direction of Rev.
Fr. Magar Ashkarian. Students read out parts from Nareg and the Holy Bible.
The Dean of the Seminary, V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian spoke about what the
Seminary has given during its 75 years of existence. He briefly talked about
the program of work for the next academic year. He highlighted the
importance of individual work by the students for their development,
stressing that this should be accomplished by persistent efforts.
Primate Bishop Khatcherian delivered the closing remarks of the event, tying
the purpose of His Holiness’ Pontifical visit to Canada and Northern America
to the day’s event.
“His Holiness is not physically present at this time, however his heart
certainly beats for the Seminary at all the ceremonies organized on the
occasion of the Seminary’s 75th anniversary,” said the Primate.
“You represent a unique group from our people, chosen for a special mission.
The sources and principal purposes of that mission are our God, our church
and our people. In order to serve God, our church and people, however, you
have to be prepared, enriched so you can one day enrich our people
yourselves and fulfill its spiritual needs,” he said.
The event came to its end with “Cilicia” and the Priamte’s prayers
(“Bahbanitch”). The administration and faculty had a consultative meeting
afterwards.
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Theological
Seminary of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.