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October 3-4, 2006 |
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In the occasion of the new Academic Year 2006-7, the University of Balamand invited its community to begin this new year with prayer. The Monastery of Balamand hosted the event. Archimandrite Isaac Barakat, the Abbot of the Balamand Monastery, presided over the service and the Choir of St. John of Damascus chanted. Many Faculty, staff, and students of the University of Balamand attended the event. After the Vespers, Archimandrite Isaac said a welcoming note, transmitting the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV. Then, Dr. Elie Salem, President of the University of Balamand, addressed the audience at the Monastery Great Hall. The President emphasized the role of the University in bringing together and formulating knowledge and serving humanity. He also explained the essential role Balamand has in the region and in the service of the Christian Muslim Dialogue and Coexistence. Afterwards, everyone was invited to a Cocktail in the Monastery. The next morning, at 8:30 am, the Service of the Blessing of Water was celebrated at the Institute of Theology, in the presence of the Institute's community. The Dean, Dr. Georges Nahas, welcomed the students. He explained to them that they need to have a sense of purpose in life, especially about why they are here. He also spoke about the role of the Institute, especially in the Church of Antioch, its unity, witness, and newness. Then, classes begun.
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The Dean, Dr. Georges Nahas, Speaking the Students |
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