Clergy must remain connected not only to the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church but also to the developments and challenges of the modern era, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II said during the closing ceremony of the 2025–2026 academic year at the Gevorkian Theological Seminary in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

He stressed that each academic year opens a new chapter of achievements in the history of the seminary and brings renewed hope and expectations.

"Within the walls of these cherished institutions of spiritual education, ministers of the Armenian Church are prepared for service in our dioceses across Armenia and the Diaspora. They are called to care for our people living in diverse national and cultural environments, strengthen their love for the homeland and the Holy Church, and guide them along the God-given path of salvation. The work of the seminary is directly connected with the spiritual life and national identity of every Armenian and with the system of values upheld by our faithful. In this sense, our expectations and demands of our spiritual institutions are always high.

In a world undergoing rapid change, it is essential that a clergyman, while remaining firmly attached to the sacred traditions of our forefathers and our national roots, is also aware of contemporary developments and challenges and responds appropriately to the spiritual needs and expectations of the flock entrusted to his care," the Catholicos said.

He added that only in this way can the Holy Church effectively fulfill its mission under present-day conditions and enrich Armenian life through the preaching of the Word of Life.

The Catholicos emphasized that serving the nation and the Church requires courage, unwavering determination and, when necessary, readiness for every kind of sacrifice.

On the occasion of the academic year's closing ceremony, Karekin II expressed his appreciation and bestowed his blessing upon the administrative staff and faculty of the Gevorgian Theological Seminary, led by Archimandrite Husik Smbatyan.

During the ceremony, the Catholicos also presented awards to students who had demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

Eleven students graduated from the Gevorkian Theological Seminary during the 2025–2026 academic year.