On December 25, on the occasion of the feast of Saint Stephen, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received the deacons of the Gevork Theological Seminary and newly ordained deacons serving on the See. They were accompanied by the Rector of the See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Eminence Archbishop Anania Tsaturyan; the Director of the See’s “Karekin I” Educational Center, His Eminence Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan; and the Rector of the Gevork Theological Seminary, His Eminence Archbishop Shahe Ananyan, the Armenian Apostolic Church of the See of Holy Etchmiadzin reported.
After the Lord’s Prayer, the deacons greeted the Armenian Patriarch with the hymn “Stephanos, Sweet Dove.” On behalf of the newly ordained deacons, His Holiness Deacon Vram Harutyunyan expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his fatherly love and care, promising to fulfill the hopes of the Armenian Patriarch as future spiritual ministers.
Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan then presented the newly ordained deacons to His Holiness, asking for the blessing of the Armenian Patriarch.
His Holiness, congratulating and conveying a fatherly blessing to the newly ordained deacons serving at the Throne of Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of this day’s feast, reflected on the figure of the first martyr of the Christian Church, Saint Stephen, emphasizing that every clergyman should be guided by the spirit of devotion and selflessness of the protodeacon.
His Holiness called upon us to follow the example of our Holy Fathers, who brought glory to the Church. Out of love for God, the Church, and the Fatherland, with courage, unwavering faith, and zeal, and following the radiant example of the protodeacon, they dedicated their lives to strengthening the spiritual life of our people, the radiance of the Church, and the upbuilding of the Fatherland.
The Armenian Patriarch noted that the Church has always faced various challenges, which were overcome thanks to the selfless and uncompromising service of dedicated clergy. Today, facing new challenges of the times, the Armenian clergy is called to unite its faithful around the Church and lead them to havens of peace through the preaching of the Gospel.
The Patriarch of All Armenians instructed the deacons to offer their service to the Church of Christ and the Fatherland, taking as their example the faith, love of God, and Aryan spirit of St. Stephen.
In conclusion, His Holiness also answered questions from the deacons regarding the mission of the Church and overcoming the difficulties it faces.