REPORT

Tuesday Evening, September 30, 2003
In the occasion of the new Academic Year 2003-4, the service of Great Vespers was celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Balamand at 6:00 PM, September 30, 2003.

The Vespers was followed by the Service of the Blessing of Water. His Eminence Metropolitan Elias (Kurban) presided  over both services representing His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV, in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Boulos (Bandali) and the Dean, His Grace Bishop Youhanna (Yazigi), the students, faculty members and staff of the Institute, along with other dignitaries: His Excellency Dr. Elie Salem, President of the University of Balamand, Deans and Directors of the University of Balamand, along with many other friends and alumni of Balamand. 

After welcoming the new students, His Eminence Metropolitan Elias (Kurban) said: "We are beginning the year with prayer because we believe in its efficiency and power." He spoke how much His Beatitude Cherishes this place which he founded and continues to nourish and care.

Afterward, everyone was invited to a festal dinner at the Institute. The Dean Bishop John thanked everyone for their love in preapring this meal and organizing this event. He asked the Lord to bless this New Academic Year and stenghten the students in their Academic pursuits and spiritual life.

Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Wednesday was a special day for the Balamand community. The Dean Bishop John desired for all of the students, staff and Faculty members to start the academic year with an eucharistic celebration. After the Divine Liturgy, everyone paticiapted in a meal of love and the students started their courses. 

DIVINE LITURGY

Wednesday's Divine Liturgy: Bishop John blessing the faithful (Faculty, Staff, and Students)

In the Sermon, the Dean encouraged the students to begin with much vigor and work on their spiritual life, along with academic work

The Choir

GREAT VESPERS

His Eminence Metropolitan Elias of Tripoli presiding over the Service of Vespers, and Bishop John Yazigi to his left

Artoklassia: Blessing of the Five Loaves during Vespers

  
Some of the Attendance in Vespers: Dr. Elie Salem, Deans and Directors, and Professors

BLESSING OF WATER

His Eminence Metropolitan Elias (Kurban) 
presiding over the Service of the Blessing of Water at the Institute. 
Also in the picture: Metropolitan Bendali and Bishop Yazigi

DINNER

The Dinner Tuesday Evening

The Dean Thanking His Eminence and all guests

 Faculty Members and students at the Dinner