Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On August 30, ahead of the 2021-2022 academic year, the traditional Blessing of the Teachers service was offered under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; at St. Trdat Open Air Altar of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The blessing service organized by the Christian Education Center of the Mother See was attended by Mr. Aleksandr Shagafyan, Head of Education Inspectorate; heads of regional education departments, rectors of higher educational institutions, heads of military education universities of the Armed Forces, principals of Yerevan և regional secondary schools, and pedagogues. At the conclusion of the Service the Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his pontifical blessings and appreciation those present.

The Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians at the Blessing of the Teachers Service

Honorable rectors, those in charge of education and pedagogues, It is joy for us to welcome you again in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. We extend you our Pontifical blessings and appreciation. We consider it important that on the occasion of the launching of the new academic year you as pilgrims visit the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in order to begin your gracious mission with God՚s blessings. The children of our people are being educated and grow under your care. Indeed, being a pedagogue is a great responsibility and honor, as the reliable future of every nation is conditioned by education and upbringing. Especially in modern times, in all spheres of our life, which have become versatile and fast-paced, we feel that reality more. In the face of the flattening processes of globalization and the scientific achievements that are being updated day by day, today the formation of spiritual and inner world is as imortant as the teaching of modern knowledge. Beloved ones, the latest developments in the life of our homeland, the Artsakh war, the current difficult and unstable situation in the homeland prove how much importance should be given to education and competitive knowledge in our lives. The ordeal and the continuous hardships we suffer, emphasize the importance and demand for a worldview, noble ideals and aspirations built on true values, which, first of are sown, grown and developed in schools and in the family. Education is the most powerful weapon. Over the centuries, our people have struggled and survived, built and rebuilt their lives through the accumulated knowledge, cognition and skills. Today, the security and safety of the homeland must be anchored on the knowledge, self-knowledge and patriotism acquired by our young people. The knowledge provided and education must be firmly established on the national-traditional value system. Our purpose is not to prepare the so-called cosmopolitan, but a patriotic, endowed with high moral qualities, with a national character, an educated, polite person and zealous citizen. In this regard, we consider the compulsory teaching of "History of the Armenian Church" in schools with a complete program. Today, each of us must take care that the reforms initiated in the field of education, about which we have had the opportunity to speak, do not harm, but are really useful in the education of our young generation. In all this, your zeal may be needed to insure our children, adolescents from undesirable phenomena and delusions, to strengthen the spirit of national self-consciousness in their souls, as well as the conviction that knowledge is a light, a source of boons. On this cherished day of blessing of the teachers, we especially want to state that the spirit that is manifested today in the service of the protection of the homeland is also the fruit and expression of your efforts. Beloved ones, be guided and guide your students with faith and trust in God, and the values you sow will be alive and our people will maintain the potential for growth, according to the psalmist: “Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land” (Psalm 37:34). Our Church, as at all times, will continue to support the development of education and science in our country. We will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of RA and schools with good hopes and faith towards the future. Once again, we commend you for your high commitment, tireless efforts and inexhaustible dedication. May the Lord’s grace, love and mercy be with you all. Amen”.