With immense joy and respect, we announce that His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada, has successfully completed his post graduate studies at Concordia University and has received the Master of Arts Degree in Theological Studies. His area of study was, Theology and Bioethics, and his chosen thesis, The Health Care System in Armenia: The Historical, Social, and Theological Perspective: Past, Present, and Prospects.
The thesis, in its entirety is aimed at disclosing and presenting a very small part of the rich experience and practice of Armenians in the field of science and most especially that of medical science. It explored the profound heritage and past practice of medicine in Armenia and how it could apply to the modern day health care system and serve as a valuable tool for the betterment and progress of general health care performance.
It has been 20 years since the Republic of Armenia has declared independence and is going through many changes on all levels of society. Being in a transition period there are still internal and external unresolved issues, hardships, strains and challenges that the people are facing. In this environment the health care system is not an exception. By illustrating the historical background and by giving the ethical and theological perspective, this thesis’ aim was to provide valuable assistance that could impact the performance of medicine in Armenia and provide a necessary means in the bioethical decision-making process. The thesis examined the modern health care system through a theological and bioethical prism; a first attempt to apply a theological analysis of the field of medicine in a cultural context.
The thesis advances in three parts: first, it illustrates the historical background of medicine and its development in Armenia beginning from pre-Christian era up to the middle Ages and the definition of sickness and the moral code of the doctor. Secondly, it presents the current status of the health care system of Armenia, the reform process and challenges, ethical deliberation and the specific issue of gender abortion. Thirdly, it analyzes the basics and foundations of theology in relation to medicine and the questions that are nowadays pertinent in Armenia.
We sincerely congratulate our dear Primate for his success and pray that God grant him continued achievements for the benefit and goodness of our people.
