The retreat included an interactive class on the canons of the Armenian Church on the eight day celebration of the feast of Christmas. The discussion revealed that the eighth day is actually the first day, or the Lord's day, which is why we celebrate the birth and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday. Students also learned the meaning of "Emmanuel," or "God with us," after which, everyone began singing the powerful Armenian Hymn, "Khorhoort Medz" or "Great Mystery."

The retreat not only became an exchange of life experiences as Armenian Christians, but also a refreshing spiritual stimulus for all. It helped the students and staff to center themselves on the importance of their faith away from the hustle and bustle of daily lives. Between intense matches in football and ping pong, the students discovered that relationships with each other as Christians are truly special and to be celebrated. The Armenian Apostolic Church is an intricate and masterfully woven silk cloth that carries the ultimate gift to humanity the message of salvation from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Kreesdos Dznav yev Haydnetsav!" "Christ is Born and Revealed!"

Youth discuss Christmas themes made relevant for today


On January 13, the ACYOA Juniors of Holy Resurrection Armenian Church in New Britain, CT played host to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, as well as the youth from Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, RI.

Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mooradjian, Parish Priest of Holy Resurrection, and St. Nersess alumnus, celebrated the Badarak, while Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Director of Youth and Vocations at St. Nersess, delivered the sermon. His message was about the importance of faith in the lives of three biblical youths, Setrak, Misak and Abednago, who withstood the heat in a fiery furnace. Fr. Stepanos connected this story to today's youth in the Armenian Church saying, "Our Armenian youth have faith as well and it is our responsibility as a church - the Parish Council, Choir, Women's Guild, Deacons, Sunday and Armenian Schools - to strengthen and nurture faith as we direct our young people in the right direction."

Following a wonderful fellowship hour, the young adults gathered to discuss the "Top Ten Reasons to Continue Celebrating Christmas." The same theme had been presented during an overnight retreat held at St. Nersess for the graduating Sunday School class from the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs.

The topics that were discussed and made relevant in the lives of the young ACYOA members were the birth of Christ, re-birth in Baptism, Home Blessing service, singing of Khorhoort Medz, giving non-material gifts all year round, and Christmas as an eight-day feast.

Steve Megrdichian, Youth Director of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, and also an alumnus of the St. Nersess Summer Conferences, noted "Through our Baptism, we are given the ammunition needed to fight the battles of evil each day in our lives. It is very important to revisit our Baptism and the meaning behind it."

Fr. Kapriel spoke about the revelation of God in the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. He summarized by saying, "The day had many positive points that were better emphasized by us being brought together as a group than by statements. Our kids had an opportunity to strengthen their friendships from Summer Conferences and Camp Vartan, and spent the better part of a day with the clergy "clergy who wanted to create new bonds with our youth and who care for their future as young adults within the fabric of the Armenian Church."

At the end of the afternoon, the young people left with a sense of feeling stronger in their faith, as well as in celebrating the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ with renewed insight. They were also eagerly making plans to be reunited at the St. Nersess Summer Conferences and St. Vartan Camp.

As part of its Extension Program, the Seminary is opening up one of its regular graduate courses to the public this Spring. "History and Theology of the Liturgical Year" will be taught by V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess and Professor of Liturgical Studies.

The 15-session course is devoted to the origins, development and theology of the church year. Fr. Findikyan will devote special attention to the feasts, fasts and saints of the Armenian Church and how they are distinctive compared to those of other churches.

Do you know why the Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6, distinct from the rest of the Christian world?


Fr. Daniel Findikyan

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Classes begin on Wednesday, January 23, and will continue each Wednesday through May from 7:00-9:00PM at the Seminary in New Rochelle, NY. Classes are open to the public and are free, though donations will be gratefully accepted.

For further information, contact the Seminary at info@stnersess.edu or by telephone: (914) 636-2003.