Near East School of Theology

Join us this Saturday!!

Register now:
https://forms.gle/JJbt9ak8KrufgBfr5

A memorable celebration of gratitude and new beginnings!

On Saturday, May 30, the Near East School of Theology held its 93rd Commencement Service, celebrating the achievements of a new generation of graduates called to serve God and their communities. Together with families, friends, faculty, alumni, and church leaders, we gathered in thanksgiving for the dedication, perseverance, and faith that have marked their journey.

We were honored to welcome The Most Reverend Hosam Naoum, Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, as our commencement speaker, sharing words of encouragement and hope for the road ahead.

The celebrations continued with a graduation dinner that brought us all together. It was a joyful evening of fellowship, reflection, and gratitude as we celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and the community that supported them throughout their journey.

As these graduates embark on the next chapter of their calling, we pray that they will continue to be faithful witnesses, servant leaders, and agents of God’s love and reconciliation in the world.

🎓 Graduates of the Class of 2026:

- Diploma in Theological Education
Maria Bernart Dal Bzdkian
Enzelya Vazgen Galoyan
- Bachelor in Theology
Artak Armen Galoyan
- Master of Arts in Christian Education
Shushan Hayrik Yengibaryan
- Master of Divinity
Saba Walid Kerry

Congratulations to all our graduates. May God bless and guide you in every step of your journey.

✨ Open doors, open hearts, and new beginnings! ✨

Yesterday, the Near East School of Theology welcomed many new faces and prospective students to our campus. It was a wonderful evening of discovery and shared moments, centered around a moving, student-led chapel service that beautifully captured the spirituality at the heart of NEST.

From this time of prayer and reflection on our vocational callings, guests went on to enjoy intellectually stimulating mini-lectures from faculty, along with a tour of our library’s treasured rare collection, including the original Van Dyck manuscript of the Arabic Bible. We wrapped up the evening sharing food and meaningful conversations out on the terrace with a barbecue.

To everyone who joined us: thank you for your lively presence!

Missed the event? We would still love to hear from you and chat about how you can start your learning journey at NEST!

📥 DM us or contact us today to discover our courses and programs! 💜

Looking for a place to grow, ask questions, build meaningful friendships, and explore your calling?

Join us this Sunday at the NEST Open House and discover a community where faith, learning, and life come together. Whether you’re curious about theology, looking for flexible courses alongside work or university, or simply want to see what NEST is all about, this evening is for you!

Come experience:
• A student-led worship service at 6PM
• A tour of the campus and facilities
• Conversations with current students and professors
• Information about courses, scholarships, and flexible study options
• A free community BBQ to end the evening together

Bring a friend, meet new people, and explore what God may have in store for you. We’d love to welcome you.

📍 Sunday, May 24 | 5:30–8:30PM
RSVP through the QR code on the poster to help us prepare

Exciting developments at the Near East School of Theology this week!

Our faculty gathered at the CERC (our Christian Education Resource Center) for a hands-on training session on the new smart board, taking time to explore together how this new technology can support online and hybrid teaching and classroom interaction.

We also celebrated the arrival of a new digital piano for chapel use, generously gifted by NEST board member, Mr. Zuhair Boulos and his wife Ghada. We are deeply grateful for their kind and melodious contribution and support of NEST’s worship life and community.

It was especially lovely to have Dr. Johnny Awad and our alumnus Pastor Jiro Ghazarian visit campus to try out the piano and share in the moment with us.

Small moments like these continue to shape the daily life of NEST in meaningful ways.

Join us for a practical and inspiring one-day workshop designed to equip Bible teachers with the skills and confidence to engage children and youth with Scripture.

“Teaching with Confidence: Sharpen Your Bible Teaching Skills” will offer interactive sessions, hands-on practice, and practical tools for lesson planning, classroom management, and creating meaningful Christ-centered learning environments. Led by Mrs. Hala Bitar Khoury, Director of the Christian Education Resource Center (CERC) and Instructor of Christian Education at NEST.

📍 Christian Education Resource Center (CERC), Near East School of Theology (NEST), Beirut
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM

Spot your place. Here is the link for registration: https://forms.gle/JJbt9ak8KrufgBfr5
Spaces are limited, so register before May 28!

This past Sunday was “NEST Sunday”! The Near East School of Theology had the joy of visiting and connecting with churches in the Greater Beirut area, sharing NEST’s mission of theological education, dialogue, and community engagement.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to:
First Armenian Evangelical Church
Armenian Evangelical Church of Achrafieh
All Saints Episcopal Church
Presbyterian Evangelical Church of Rabieh
National Evangelical Church of Beirut

As part of this initiative, we distributed newly designed NEST bookmarks with a QR code leading to a landing page with information on our most current programs, workshops, public lectures, interfaith forum, and other community initiatives. We also announced a NEST Open Day on May 24th, inviting our communities to a student-led worship time, faculty meet-and-greet, and community barbecue.

We are deeply thankful for the warm welcome, conversations, and encouragement we received throughout the day. May these connections continue to strengthen learning, faith, and service within our communities.