Visit Of Rev. Kjell Nordstokke To YSU Faculty Of Theology

Rev. Kjell Nordstokke, NCA Board member and professor in Social Diakonia, paid a visit to Faculty of Theology in Yerevan State University on May 7, 2012. He and his wife were warmly received by His Grace Bishop Anushavan Zhamkochyan, the Dean of the Faculty.
A short workshop was dedicated to the Lutheran approach to social diakonia and its specifics in Norway where local congregations are most active in it.
Rev. Nordstokke stressed the importance of integral understanding of social diakonia: it is the mission of the Church, and Church essence needs to be activated while doing diakonia; it required holistic approach with an understanding that it is inseparable part of the Church work, not something different; and rights based approach to diakonia with respect and inclusiveness towards every human being: “We are valuable because created in the image of God”. Any congregation could start diaconal work with “hospitality” and “visitation”, which do now require much resource.
Dr. Karen Nazaryan, Executive Director of the Armenia Round Table, drew the attention of the present at the importance of social diakonia for those who are in the most underprivileged situation.