Institute of Theology

Patron Saint of His Beatitude IGNATIUS IV,
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East

Dec. 20, 2005
 

The feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch is a special time for the Church of Antioch. It is the feast of the patron saint of His Beatitude  Ignatius IV, the Patriarch of the Church of Antioch and all the East. In this occasion , participated in the Vespers and Divine Liturgy of the feast held at the Maryamiah Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria.

Participants in the Divine Liturgy included many Archbishops and Bishops of the Holy Synod of Antioch, and Church Representatives, namely from the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate,   the Jerusalem Patriarchate, and the Orthodox Church of Greece. 

Among the delegations was one from the University of Balamand: Dr. Elie Salem, President, Dr. Georges Nahas, Vice President and Dean of the Institute of Theology, and other Deans and Directors. The choir of St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand participated in the Vespers and Divine Liturgy of the feast. 

The Liturgy was followed by a meal of love shared by all dignitaries and faithful who came specially to greet His Beatitude and wish him all God's blessing and protection. .

Balamand Choir during the Liturgy

Balamand Choir with the Dean, Dr. Georges Nahas

A Festal Meal in the Occasion

His Beatitude Welcoming the Dignitaries

MAY GOD GRANT YOU MANY YEARS,
BELOVED MASTER!

His Beatitude Praying to God "to look down 
and behold the Vineyard which Thy right hand had planted"

Some of the Bishops Celebrating the Feast with His Beatitude

The President, Vice President, and Deans
from the University of Balamand