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 FEAST OF THE PROTO-DEACON AND PROTO-MARTYR
ST. STEPHAN IN ANTELIAS
The feast of Saint Stephan was celebrated during Holy Mass in the Saint
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias on December 23. Archbishop
Gomidas Ohanian officiated the Mass and Catholicos Aram I presided over it.
According to tradition, while the hymn "Der Hergnits" was being sung during
the morning service, the Seminary Deacons burned incense in the church
wearing priests’ helmets as a symbol of serving the altar.
On the evening of December 21 a Vespers service was held in the Cathedral
with the participation of the Seminary students. The Catholicos then
presided over a luncheon, which was served by Seminary students.
In his sermon on December 23 Archbishop Ohanian appealed to the Deacons to
become the worthy successors of Saint Stephan, his life of service and his
brave character.
The Catholicos also presided over a special event organized by the Seminary
Deacons in the hall of the Veharan. Deacons Alexan Kalaydjian read a speech
on behalf of the Seminary students. The event also features readings from
the Bible and "Nareg". On this occasion His Holiness gave Pontifical message
to the Seminary students and particularly the Deacons to establish
themselves as worthy servants of the church. The Pontiff also addressed the
public, encouraging them to give their best to God and our people through
the Seminary. His Holiness also called on the Cilician Brotherhood, the
Seminary’s administration, its staff and the Armenian people to ensure the
eternal prosperity of this house of service.
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View the photos here:
tos/Photos67.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.