
Become a part of the solution!
Step up to the altar and take the lead!
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will conduct its annual Deacons' Training and Liturgical Music Program this summer from June 24 to July 3. The program is designed for young men and women (age 15 and up) who would like to serve as altar servers, deacons and choir members. Complete the program and you'll return to your home parish with polished liturgical and musical skills, a more satisfying sense of participation in the church's worship, and many new friends!
Choose the course that's right for you. The Introductory Deacons' Course is for young men who have little or no previous experience serving at the altar. Learn the basics of serving as a deacon during the Divine Liturgy: Learn how to help the priest put on the vestments for the Badarak (and what they're called in Armenian!). Learn to chant the deacons' parts. Learn the skill and the art of offering incense with the "poorvar."
Already a veteran at the altar? Eager to be ordained a sub-deacon or deacon? Then the Advanced Deacons' Course is for you. This summer enter the magnificent world of Armenian monastic Night worship. Learn the "Kisherayin Zham," which is conducted in many parish churches on Sunday mornings. Beware! The hymns of the Night Service are stunningly beautiful and mightily powerful, but they are not for the weak or timid! If you are eager to learn and ready to work, come learn the cycles of hymns known as "Ganonaklookh," "Alelook," and "Takavork."
Eager to lift up your voice? Then come to the Liturgical Music Course. Whether you are a veteran or a novice, you will master the hymns of the Divine Liturgy, including the so-called Jashou (Midday) and other hymns. You will also be coached in techniques of voice production by a professional vocalist and voice-trainer.

Rituals and hymns are meaningless if you don't understand the language. All participants will also have daily lessons in Classical Armenian (Krapar). These innovative lessons, developed especially for St. Nersess Seminary, will teach you the basics of the language so that you may better understand what you are chanting to God.
Can't read Armenian letters? No problem. At St. Nersess you'll master the alphabet in ten days--GUARANTEED--using an interactive computerized tutorial which actually makes learning the alphabet fun!
"At the very least, anyone who participates in this program will return home able to read Armenian," said V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of the Seminary and Director of the Deacons' Training and Liturgical Music Program.
You'll begin and end each day with traditional Armenian Morning and Evening services, where you'll have the chance to apply what you're learning. With your new friends and some help from the staff, you'll also read the Bible, a little every day, and discover why it's indispensable for any Armenian Christian.
Can church be fun?

The cost of the ten-day program, including tuition, room and board on the Seminary campus, textbooks, and materials is just $250. Go to www.stnersess.edu RIGHT NOW and download an application. Write to us at info@stnersess.edu or call us at (914) 636-2003.
If you love God and want to grow closer to Him in the Armenian Church, then step up and take the lead. Come to the Deacons' Training and Liturgical Music Program at St. Nersess Seminary this summer. If you snooze, you lose!