Page 171 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

172 The Armenian Church

Christian education: a vital concern
The spiritual and moral formation of Ar-
menian men and women is essential for the
building of the church as a community of
faith. The Church considers Christian edu-
cation as the heart of education and an
indispensable dimension of its mission. For
the Armenian Church, the following prin-
ciples and guidelines constitute the solid
basis of Christian education:
First, Christian education should be or-
ganized and implemented with a holistic
approach. Because the Bible is the corner-
stone of Christian education, its teachings
and values must be conveyed through the
total life and witness of the Church, namely
within the framework of the Church's
spiritual, liturgical, and theological heritage
and traditions. Second, the intimate rela-
tionship between the Armenian people and
Christianity, which is deeply rooted in our
centuries-old common history, should be
highlighted. The salient features of this close
association need to be communicated in all
aspects of Christian education. Third, socio-
ethical issues facing contemporary societies
and the Church's stand, based on its biblical,
moral, and doctrinal teachings, should be
conveyed through Christian education.
Fourth, Christian education and Armenian
education are intertwined, complementing