Index Establishment of St Nersess Seminary Patron Saint Academic Affiliation and Curriculum New Rochelle Campus Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Memorial Library St Nersess Education Day

Establishment of St Nersess Seminary St. Nersess Armenian Seminary was founded by the late Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan (+1989) and established under the auspices of the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of America and recently of the Diocese of the Armenian Church Canada. The General Assemblies of the Eastern and Western Dioceses, on April 15 and 30, 1961, respectively, adopted resolutions giving approval to the formation of the Seminary. In accordance with these resolutions, a number of Armenian clergymen were invited by Archbishop Sion Manoogian, then Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, to a meeting held in Evanston, IL, on August 11-12, 1961. At this meeting, the organizational foundation of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary was laid with the formation of a Board of Trustees and the adoption of a set of by-laws. This step was taken on the basis of donations and pledges made by members ofthe Board of Directors and Benefactors, as well as the availability of certain limited funds designated for this purpose. A house was purchased in Evanston, IL, on November 1, 1961, through the generous contribution made by Mrs. Satenig Ouzounian, to accomodate the school. The Board of Directors held its first annual meeting on June 22, 1962. The first academic semester of St. Nersess started on September 19, 1962. Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, of the blessed memory, was the first dean and founder of the Seminary.

Patron Saint

The Seminary is named after St. Nersess Shnorhali -- the Graceful -- (+1173). One of the most revered Armenian Church fathers, St Nersess was an adamant defender and teacher of the Orthodox faith and Christian unity. He also enriched the liturgy of the Armenian Church with many prayers and hymns.

Academic Affiliation and Curriculum

Due to the growing needs of the Armenian Church, it became necessary for the Seminary to enter another phase of activity. Hence, following a transitional period of two years, the Seminary affiliated itself with St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, in Crestwood, New York, 20 miles north of Manhattan, one of the leading theological institutions of the Orthodox church tradition in the world, and a member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. For almost a decade, St. Nersess seminarians lived and studied at St Vladimir's Seminary and upon graduation, were sent to various parishes as priests or lay workers. The curriculum of St. Nersess Seminary has been developed and implemented in conjunction with St Vladimir's Seminary. As such, St. Nersess students follow a dual program of education which leads to the degree of Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, or Master of Theology at St. Vladimir's Seminary, and a Certificate in Armenian Religious Studies at St. Nersess Seminary. In addition, St. Nersess students are involved in field work on parish and diocesan levels, summer educational programs, as well as participation in a program of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

New Rochelle Campus

In 1987, a beautiful victorian building situated on a nine-acre wooded property in New Rochelle, New York was purchased and a new period of growth and development followed. In 1982, St. Nersess opened its doors once again and launched a renewed effort to serve the Armenian Church and community in North America. Today, more than 90% of St. Nersess graduates are serving the Armenian Church in various capacities around the world.

St Nersess Armenian Seminary is isolated from the busy life of the world beyond, yet it is within commuting distance of New York City and its centers of learning and culture. The Seminary is within one hour or ten Armenian parishes in the New York metropolitan area.

Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Memorial Library

This library, in remembrance of Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan who founded St. Nersess Armenian Seminary thirty five years ago, was officially dedicated by His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during his first visit to St. Nersess Seminary, on January 14, 1996. The Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Memorial Library will house, in addition to the seminary's collection of books and reference materials, a special section of rare Armenian books and archives donated to the seminary by Archbishop Nersoyan himself.

St. Nersess Theological Review (SNTR)

Realizing the long cherished vision of its founder, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary announces the publication of the St. Nersess Theological Review (SNTR), a theological review in English is a forum for the serious discussion of all aspects of Armenian Church life and work.

Published semi-annually, the journal treats treat such diverse topics as liturgy, ethics, ecumenics, church history, and art, with a special focus on interdisciplinary approaches. Serving on the Educational Board for the SNTR are Dr Abraham Terian, Editor, Rev. Arakel Aljalian, Managing Editor, Dr. S. Peter Cowe; VRev. Dr. Daniel Findikyan, Rev. Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Rev. Fr. Arten Ashjian, Dr. Vigen Guroian, VRev. Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, VRev. Dr. Krikor Maksoudian, Dr. Edward Matthews, Jr., Dr. Hagop Nersoyan, and Hratch Tchilingirian.

Annual subscription rates for the SNTR are $25.00 ($30.00 outside the United States).

St Nersess Education Day

St. Nersess Education Day is a day established for the entire community to come together on the grounds of St. Nersess Seminary for a day of both enjoyment and education. The day included educational programs, seminary tours, Armenian culture, music, and ethnic food. A special Antasdan service, blessing of the field, will take place to culminate the day's activities.