October 8, 2009 What is the Armenian Church's role in the modern ecumenical movement? What do non-Armenian theologians say about the teachings of the Armenian Church? Does the Armenian Church have a message to non-Armenians? These are some of the questions that will be considered in St. Nersess Seminary's 2009-2010 Public Lecture Series, entitled The Armenian Church: A Distinctive Christian Voice. The series will open on Monday, October 19 at 7:30PM with a lecture by Dr. Abraham Terian, Professor Emeritus of Armenian Theology. Professor Terian will speak about Armenian contributions to Christian theology in a lecture entitled, "How Armenians See Jesus." Professor Maxwell E. Johnson |
As one of the smallest Christian denominations in the world, one might assume that the Armenian Church is a mere footnote to the legacy and influence of the world’s larger churches. Does the historic Church of the Armenians have a message to humanity beyond its political and ethnic borders? Scholars and hierarchs—Armenians and non-Armenians—will reflect on the distinctive features of Armenian Christianity, its theological vision and insights, and its mission to Armenians and to the world today. You may be surprised by what they have to say.
How Armenians Read the Bible * How Armenians Pray
Also scheduled to lecture during the year are Prof. Roberta Ervine, Professor of Armenian Studies, and V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean and Professor of Liturgical Studies. Professor Ervine will explore the way Armenians traditionally read and interpret the Bible. Fr. Findikyan will turn his attention to the topic of prayer, as he looks into some of the distinguishing features of Armenian prayer.
Highlighting the lecture series this Fall will be distinguished non-Armenian guests including Professor Maxwell Johnson, Professor of Liturgical Studies at the University of Notre Dame (South Bend, Indiana). Professor Johnson, a world-renowned expert on the history and theology of Christian baptism, will consider the contributions of the Armenian Church to Christian liturgy and theology.
The Armenian Church Among the Orthodox Churches During the Spring term His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah, leader of the Orthodox Church in America, will visit St. Nersess and deliver a lecture on the relations between the Eastern Orthodox and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. His Beatitude will also offer his own thoughts about the role of the Armenian Church in the reconciliation of these ancient church families. In a similar vein, His Eminence Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian Orthodox Church of the Eastern United States, will discuss the place of the Armenian Church within the Oriental Orthodox Churches. The lecture series has been subsidized by the Edward and Anita Essayan Educational Fund of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. All lectures are free and open to the public. They take place on the St. Nersess Seminary campus in New Rochelle, New York. Lectures begin at 7:30 PM and last about an hour. Speakers then open the floor to questions and discussion. A reception follows. | His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthdodox Church in America. |