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.
Armenian Orthodox Church news
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