October 3-4, 2009

On Saturday, October 3, the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology began its new academic year with a Great Vespers celebrated at the Monastery of Balamand Church. Archimandrite Isaac Barakat, the Abbot of the Balamand Monastery, presided over the service 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.

On Sunday, Divine Liturgy was held and after the Divine Liturgy, everyone gathered in the Monastery's Hall to greet each other.

After the Liturgy, the Faculty, students, and staff of the Institute of Theology held the Service of the Blessing of Water 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. Afterwards, the Institute family shared a meal together for the occasion. 

Great Vespers, Oct 3

Divine Liturgy, Oct 4

After the Liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Paul of Australia presided over a memorial service for the soul's repose of the Thrice Blessed Bishop Elias of Afamia. 

The faithful and choir during the Liturgy

Blessing of Water, Oct 4

Dean's Talk, Oct 4