The opening of the 89^th Academic year of the Armenian Theological Seminary took place on Sunday, October 14^th, with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Dean of the Seminary V. Rev. Boghos Tinkjian, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. His Holiness Aram I presided over the Divine Liturgy.

Following the service, a pontifical procession led by the Catholicos moved to the Main Hall of the Catholicosate, where the opening ceremony of the academic year, which takes place every year on the Feast of the Holy Translators, was celebrated.

The ceremony commenced with the Seminary anthem and spiritual songs and hymns performed by “Armash” choir of the seminary, conducted by Rev. Fr. Zaven Najarian. Deacon George Aprahamian delivered the welcoming remarks, in which he re-stated their vows to remain faithful to the legacy of the Holy Translators.

Rev. Boghos Tinkjian delivered the Dean’s speech, in which, speaking for the seminarians, he expressed his gratitude to the teacher’s staff and all those who believe in the Seminary’s mission and show support for its betterment, and his filial gratitude to His Holiness’ constant and unconditional fatherly care.

Finally, His Holiness Aram I delivered his pontifical speech. Speaking about the importance of the Feast of the Holy Translators, His Holiness underlined the monumental work of these saints, whose achievement in the 5^th century granted Armenians the blessing to strengthen their Christian faith in their mother tongue. His Holiness also spoke about the mission of the Seminary, stating that the seminarians will always walk in the footsteps of the Holy Translators.

The ceremony came into conclusion with His Holiness’ blessing and “Cilicia” anthem.