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: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version: nian.htm
THE SEMINARY STUDENTS CELEBRATE
THE FEAST OF ST. STEPHAN
The Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia marked the memory of
Proto-Deacon and Proto-Martyr St. Stephan, the first saint to have become a
martyr for the Christian faith, during a special event on December 23.
Given that the feast of St. Stephan is a feast of the deacons, the ceremony
was organized by the deacons and sub-deacons. The Seminary deacons presented
a lecture on the life and work of the Saint.
Kevork Saghdedjian delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the
uniqueness of the feast of deacons and the meaning of the service they
provide particularly in current times. Serge Tinkdjian read out a section of
the letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans.
Mourad Tchorbadjian delivered a lecture on the theme "The deacon in the
Church", touching on the challenges and the difficulties today’s youth face
and the importance of providing Armenian and Christian education to the new
generation. In this respect, he cast a critical look at the well studied and
well prepared formation process through which the Seminary students pass.
Following the lecture, Mike Tashdjian performed a section from the hymn
dedicated to the Saint.
The second lecture around the theme "what is the deacon’s calling in the
face of the 21st century’s challenges?" was presented by Apraham Manuelian,
who spoke about the various ways of serving especially in present-day
conditions.
V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian concluded the event. Addressing the attendants
he first congratulated the deacons for their efforts in organizing the
event. Through the lectures delivered by the deacons, Fr. Chiftjian
reflected upon the spirit of the event and explained the meaning of the word
service. "Service is not something that is done in return for compensation.
Otherwise, it would be emptied of its meaning. The word service acquires its
full meaning when it is realized through self-dedication." Fr. Chiftjian
concluded by calling upon the seminary students to follow the path of all
those who have loyally served our church, assuring that their compensation
would be in heaven, not on earth.
#Photos here:
tos/Photos349.htm
*****
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.