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: nian.htm
HIS HOLINESS UNDERLINES THE ROLE OF THE SEMINARY
IN THE THEOLOGICAL AND MINISTERIAL FORMATION
His Holiness Aram I returned from his ecumenical visits to Belgium,
Switzerland and Italy on the evening of October 24 and headed immediately to
the Seminary in Bikfaya, where he was welcomed by the Dean, his assistant
and students. Following the prayers in the church, the Pontiff delivered a
Pontifical message to the students.
"It’s been about a week that the Seminary has resumed its educational life.
Being in Europe on national and ecumenical missions I was not able to attend
the traditional opening ceremony of the academic year. We are happy today to
greet you all with fatherly blessing", the Catholicos said.
Stressing the importance of the Seminary, the Pontiff said: "The Seminary is
not a usual school. It is a sanctuary devoted to a sacred mission of
formation and education. Missionaries are prepared here for a holy mission:
serving our Church and our nation. It is here where the unique character of
the Seminary lies. You have come here from the ranks of our nation to become
new human being through spiritual-intellectual formation. Therefore, you
will not only receive an education from the Seminary, but also awareness for
the calling to serve. You have come from our people and will return to our
people highly holding up the flag of service."
Towards the end of his speech, the Catholicos underlined three concepts.
"Hard work, discipline and commitment. These words should become the driving
force for their life and work inside the Seminary."
The Seminary started its regular classes about a week ago under the guidance
of the Dean, V. Rev. Shahe Panossian. Rev. Masis Zoubouyan and Rev. Magar
Ashkarian act as assistants to the Dean. The faculty includes Cilician
Brotherhood members and lay teachers.
The course for the preparation of priests has also started in Antelias. Six
candidates from the dioceses of the United States, Canada, Iran and Lebanon
are participating in the course this year.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos54.htm
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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 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.