Institute of Theology

November 7, 2010

On Sunday November 7, 2010, the bells of the holy Patriarchal Monastery of Balamand rung joyously in welcoming His Eminence Metropolitan George of Homs and His Grace Bishop Joseph Zehlawi with a group of priests and parishioners from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America who are on a pilgrimage tour in the land of Antioch..

Both bishops served the Divine Liturgy with the Abbot of Balamand and Dean of the Institute of Theology, His Grace Bishop Ghattas. The choir of St John of Damascus Institute of Theology participated in the Liturgy as well.

At the end of the service, His Grace Bishop Ghattas welcomed Metropolitan George, and most especially Bishop Joseph and his delegation coming all the way from North America. He   reminded the people present that Bishop Zehlawi is an alumni of the Institute of Theology and Monastery of Balamand, where he lived in  the sixties.

Then Bishop Joseph spoke about the importance of faith and prayer in the life of the believer. He also emphasized that what we see today on the Balamand Hill. in the Monastery, High School, Institute of Theology and University is the fruit of His Beatitude's labor, and we also are the fruit of his labor. Bishop Joseph spoke about his memories in Balamand, and asked God to give His Beatitude, the Abbot, and the people present many years of good health, prosperity and safety by God's Grace.

Later one, everyone met in the Monastery's hall, before they had lunch in the St John of Damascus Institute of Theology's diving hall. The delegation met with the students. Finally Bishop Ghattas had a meeting  with Bishop Joseph and the delegation in order to discuss issues related to the Institute's life and the Balamand Monastery, and the relationship with the Archdiocese of North America. 

His Eminence Metropolitan George of Homs, with Their Graces Bishop Joseph  and Bishop Ghattas

During the Litrugy

Bishop Ghattas Welcoming Bishop Joseph and His Delegation


With the Seminarians