Institute of Theology

On Sunday September 28, 2008, the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology began its new academic year with a Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Monastery of Balamand Church. Archimandrite Isaac Barakat, the Abbot of the Balamand Monastery, presided over the Liturgy and the Choir of St. John of Damascus chanted. All the Faculty, staff, and students of the Institute, as well as the University of Balamand Officers joined in.

After the Divine Liturgy, everyone gathered to share in a meal of love together.

On Monday morning, September 29, the Service of the Blessing of Water was celebrated at the Institute of Theology. After the service, the Dean, Dr. Georges Nahas, addressed the students, greeting and welcoming them, and expressing his enthusiasm for the beginning of this year. In his speech, Dr. Nahas elaborated on two subjects: the reason of their presence in the Institute, and the reason of the existence of the Institute. Dr. Nahas took as a basis for his elaboration  the Epistle passage of past Sunday (2 Cor. 6:4-15). He explaining that the words in this epistle are not theory but a fact and a reality.  First, he emphasized that the priest's role is to die for the parish, and not vice versa, and this idea has to be lived in the Institute as well. With all our weaknesses, many things can be made, since "we have this treasure in our earthen vessels..." Second, the Dean spoke about the Institute's role as being the witness of unity in the Antiochian Church.. In it the students learn how to be open to other dioceses, cooperate and become one. Finally, Dr. Nahas told the students that they are demanded to work tirelessly in the Institute, and getting the necessary training to serve Christ.

Dr. Nahas addressing the students

Great Vespers, September 27

Divine Liturgy, September 28

Blessing of Water, September 29