Blessing Ceremony for Educators Held at Holy Etchmiadzin
31.08.2025
On August 31, at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The celebrant was the Very Reverend Father Proto-Archimandrite Zakaria Baghumyan, Director of the Christian Education Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The solemn service was attended by representatives of educational institutions, principals of public schools, teachers, and many Armenian pilgrims. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a blessing ceremony for educators was held under the auspices of the Catholicos of All Armenians, marking the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year. His Holiness then imparted his patriarchal blessing to all who serve in the field of education.
The Catholicos emphasized the invaluable contribution of teachers to the sacred mission of educating and nurturing the children of the Armenian nation, particularly noting:
“The Armenian Church has, throughout history, pursued the development of science and culture, guided by the spirit of the Sahak-Mesropian generation and the ideology of the Enlightenment. The parish schools and renowned universities established alongside churches and monasteries became true forges of education, shaping generations and forming our people’s spiritual and national identity —together with love and devotion to the Homeland and devotion to Christian values.”
In his address, His Holiness emphasized that, alongside its salvific mission, the Armenian Church has also promoted the intellectual and spiritual growth of its children, ensuring harmony between faith, science, and knowledge.
“In today’s multi-polar and multicultural world, where borders and dividing lines are disappearing, education attuned to the times is of utmost importance, as is the formation of a sound worldview and a stable value system, so that individuals may be safeguarded from harmful influences.
Alongside the rapid advancement of science and technology, humanity faces a serious crisis of values, often encountering threats that endanger its very identity. Our people, both in the Homeland and in the Diaspora, are not immune to these challenges. A consumerist mentality has opened the door to temptations for our youth, where true values are replaced with false ideologies, and happiness and peace are measured solely by material well-being.
Overcoming these challenges requires collective and united efforts to shape Armenian youth and citizens who, with knowledge and national spirit, will be able to withstand the demands of the modern age.
The system of values transmitted through our education must become the guarantee of preserving the nation’s identity and ensuring its continuity. In light of troubling developments in the country, the haphazard measures and arbitrary approaches undertaken in the field of education cast serious doubt on the prospect of positive outcomes.”
With sorrow, His Holiness also noted that Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, Chairman of the Mother See’s Committee on Educational Issues, should have been present at the ceremony. However, together with Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, benefactor Samvel Karapetyan, and several other Armenians, he is currently being unlawfully detained on baseless charges. The Catholicos observed that this distressing situation is also a consequence of the authorities’ policy toward the Church and the atmosphere of intolerance that has taken root in the country.
In conclusion, His Holiness urged educators to remain faithful to the noble traditions of Armenian education and, alongside the achievements of modern science, to instill in the younger generation the seeds of faith, patriotism, and national spirit. He called on them to shield youth from alien customs and destructive ideologies and to raise individuals guided by moral values—defenders of justice and truth, and law-abiding citizens.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception was held in honor of the guests.
