Church And Education. A Round Table Discussion

As a part of its advocacy work, the ART regularly invites round table discussions over issues of public interest with an aim to seek solutions in cooperation with the Church, state and civil society organizations.
On August 22, 2008 with the blessings of His Holiness Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and upon the ART initiative a meeting on “Church and Education” theme was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. 12 representatives from the Armenian Apostolic Church, Centre for Christian Education of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Ministry of Education and Science of RA, National Assembly of RA, National Academy of Sciences, Armenian Branch of DVV International, Ecumenical Church Loan Fund of Armenia as well as Armenia Round Table came together for deliberations over Church contribution to value system and public education in Armenia through in-school and out-of-school non-formal education.
The meeting started with a welcome address by Chancellor of the Mother See His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatryan. His Grace spoke highly of the ART initiative and thanked participants for their interest and participation. Bishop Arshak emphasized importance of national education and Church involvement in education and value base formation.
The reports on “Church and Education” and legal aspects of Church and state cooperation were made by Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan, Director of Information Services Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Ms. Marine Hakobyan, Expert of National Assembly of RA Standing Committee of Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan reflected on the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church played for preservation of national identity and promotion of education in Armenia throughout centuries. Church involvement and issues in pre-school, school and university education as well as out-of-school educational activities were presented.
Ms. Marine Hakobyan introduced legal frames grounding cooperation between the Church and state in Armenia and presented possibilities for further input and involvement of Church in educational system and activities.
Questions were asked and discussion evolved over Church involvement in education and in teaching of “Church history” subject in public schools, Church contribution to value system formation, etc.
The meeting as opined by participants was interesting and raising an important issue, which needs further discussion and follow up. It was agreed to have another meeting for continuation of started discussion on October 15, 2008.