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St. Nersess..This Weekend...in Detroit!

5/17/2006

Baseball, hot dogs, Apple pie and faith in God that is a combination you do not hear too often. Yet on the weekend of May 19-21, the Director of Youth and Vocations, Fr Stepanos Doudoukjian will be visiting St. John's Armenian Church (Southfield, Michigan) providing a youth program that will include those famous American trademarks.

Get your body, soul and mind ready for introduction of St. Nersess Spiritual Softball to be played on the grounds of the St. John's Church property.

While having fun swinging a bat, hitting home runs and running the bases, the softball game will take a few seventh inning stretches to discuss important faith issues for young people today. This unique event will begin at 12:00 NOON with a barbecue and refreshing soft drinks and conclude at 4:00 PM. Also participating in this event will be the pastor of St. John's Armenian Church, Fr. Garabed Kochakian, an alumnus of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

On Friday evening, May 19, an Armenian dance will take place in the church hall to benefit the young people from St. John's who will attend St. Nersess this summer. St. John's is one of several Armenian Church parishes in the United States that provide generous scholarships to its young people who attend the St. Nersess youth programs. This will be the second year that the parish has hosted a St. Nersess benefit dance for its youth. Over the past few years more and more youth from the Detroit area have been participating in the summer conferences.

So, if you are in the greater Detroit area on Saturday, May 20th, grab a baseball glove and cap, bring some soul and come to St. John's for the first ever St. Nersess Spiritual Softball game.

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Learning, Prayer and Fellowship at St. Ephrem Conference

5/16/2006

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May 16, 2006

Dozens of men and women from the Armenian Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church gathered together last Saturday, May 13 for a day of learning, prayer and fellowship dedicated to the great fourth-century saint, composer of hymns, commentator of sacred Scripture and theologian, St. Ephrem the Syrian. The conference,St. Ephrem the Syrian: Theology in Poetry, Music, Word and Color, was organized by St. Nersess Seminary and hosted by St. Mark's Syrian Orthodox Cathedral in Teaneck, NJ.

Saint of the Universal Church
The day began with morning prayers led by a delegation of St. Nersess seminarians and Armenian clergy. Fr. Daniel Findikyan then introduced the day's events calling St. Ephrem "truly a saint of the universal church; a saint who has had a profound impact in particular on the Armenian and Syrian Orthodox Churches."

Archbishop Mor Cyril Afrem Karim, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of the Eastern United States welcomed all of the speakers and participants. "St. Ephrem's life has given so much to the Syrian churches in particular and to the Christian churches in general." The Archbishop noted that the exact date of St. Ephrem's birth is not known. It is believed that he was born sometime between 303 and 307 AD. "We are therefore in the period of St. Ephrem's 1700th anniversary," he said.

The day's first speaker was Christine Altinis-Kiraz, who, together with her husband George, operate Gorgias Press, which specializes in the publication of works in Syriac studies. She presented an overview of St. Ephrem and his influence on all of Christianity, touching presciently on many issues that would be taken up by speakers later in the day. She observed that within decades of his lifetime, St. Ephrem's works had already been translated into every ancient Christian language of the time, an achievement matched by few if any other Christian writers. To hear Dr. Altinis-Kiraz's lecture click here [21 min, 10MB].

Soorp Yeprem Asori
Dr. Edward G. Mathews Jr., currently Visiting Scholar at St. Nersess Seminary, is acknowledged as one of the world's authorities on the writings of St. Ephrem, especially as they have been preserved in Armenian translations of the so-called "Golden Age" of Sts. Sahak and Mesrob. His presentation, Soorp Yeprem Asori: Ephrem in Armenian Dress, highlighted the overwhelming influence that the saint's writings, thought and theological vision had on the theology of the Armenian Church.

In fact, many of St. Ephrem's works survive only in such early Armenian translations, the original Syriac versions having perished. Dr. Mathews presented a survey of these works, including exquisite theological hymns known in Armenian as Gtsoortk, verse sermons, prayers, and commentaries on most of the books of the New Testament and several of the Old Testament.

"But even this vast number of St. Ephrem's works translated into Armenian is not the full measure of his authority in the Armenian Church," he said. "When Armenian Church fathers examine a theological issue, St. Ephrem is regularly quoted as the primary authority."

At the end of his presentation, Dr. Mathews invited St. Nersess seminarian Deacon Nishan Baljian forward to sing the Armenian hymn (sharagan) dedicated to St. Ephrem. To hear Dr. Mathews' lecture and the hymn Vor hamanman medzeen Yeghiayee sung by Deacon Nishan Baljian click here [38 min, 18MB].

St. Ephrem's Women
The morning's third speaker was Rabban Awgen Aydin, a doctoral student from Princeton Theological Seminary specializing in the field of early church history and ecumenics. Fr. Awgen was born in Nisibis, the town in present-day Turkey that was home to St. Ephrem. He is also a monk of the historic Syrian Orthodox monastery of Mor Gabriel in the Tur-Abdin region, the heart of the Syrian Orthodox Church and people.

Fr. Awgen's topic was "A Wedding Feast of Song: St. Ephrem and the Singing Ministry of Women in the Church." Illustrating his presentation by singing several hymns of St. Ephrem, Aydin spoke about the women's choirs which St. Ephrem founded and for which he composed. These women had an active and visible role in the liturgy, something quite extraordinary for the times. To hear Fr. Aydin's lecture hymns of St. Ephrem in Syriac click here [15min, 7MB].

Descent into Hell
Dr. Thomas Buchan III of Gorgias Press and Drew University led the participants more deeply into the theology of St. Ephrem in his afternoon talk, "Victory Over Temptation, Victory Over Death: St. Ephrem on Christ's Descent into Sheol."

"More than any other ancient writer," Buchan stated, "St. Ephrem makes repeated reference to Christ's descent into hell following his crucifixion." Reading numerous passages from the saint's writings, Buchan showed how Ephrem regularly compared two pillar events in Christ's life: his retreat into the wilderness after his baptism, where he refuted Satan's temptations; and his descent into hell after his crucifixion, where he scored victory over death. St. Ephrem conceives of the history of mankind's salvation in these twin moments, which he elaborates profusely in his hymns and biblical commentaries. To hear Dr. Buchan's lecture click here [45min, 22MB].

The young scholar was followed by Brother Christopher of New Skete, an Orthodox monastery on the New York-Vermont border. In a presentation entitled, "St. Ephrem and Modern Monastic Life: The View from New Skete," Fr. Christopher, robed in his monastic attire, spoke engagingly about the saint, whom he called, "a true spiritual hero of mine."

The Contemplative Life is Possible for All
Brother Christopher described the three monastic communities of New Skete--monks, nuns and married couples called companions. The inspiration for this interpretation of the monastic ideal is already suggested in St. Ephrem's thought. "The human archetype of the monk is present in all humans. It's in you. It's part of the human condition," he said, adding, "St. Ephrem shows us that the contemplative life is possible for all." To hear Brother Christopher's lecture click here [27min, 5MB].

The day's final speaker was Dr. Richard Schneider, Professor Emeritus of Trinity College (Toronto, Ontario) and currently Visiting Professor of Liturgical Art at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood, NY). A well-known authority in the interpretation of icons, Dr. Schneider gave a brief lesson in the theological meaning of icons before setting out to interpret some icons from various traditions depicting St. Ephrem, which he projected on a screen for all to enjoy.

Theology in Poetry in Imagery
"If you want to learn the iconographic language, read the works of St. Ephrem," he said at the outset of his presentation. What ties icons, hymnography, the liturgy and the writings of the church fathers together is an appreciation for rhetoric. "The fact that St. Ephrem writes theology exclusively in poetry is not exceptional, it's typical," said Schneider. To hear Dr. Schneider's lecture click here[50min, 9MB].

The day concluded with Evening Prayer in St. Mark's Cathedral, presided by the Archbishop, assisted by a number of Syrian Orthodox priests and deacons. Each participant received a handsome booklet containing the information on the day's program and speakers, including a brief annotated bibliography prepared by Dr. Mathews, and the text and English translation of an Armenian and a Syriac hymn, the first dedicated to St. Ephrem, the second composed by him. To download a copy CLICK HERE.

"I thought this was an absolutely wonderful day," said one participant from New Jersey. "The presenters were fantastically prepared and spoke directly to all present--no one became too academic or too basic...Oh, the food was absolutely delightful as well!"

Hear another Syriac hymn of St. Ephrem [3min, 1MB].

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A St. Nersess Seminarian Addresses the Eastern Diocesan Assembly

5/12/2006

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May 12, 2006

What follows is an address by Maria Derderian, who is the Chair of the ACYOA and is finishing her first year of studies at St. Nersess Seminary. Her message was addressed to the 104th Annual Assembly of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, which met last weekend at St. Leon Armenian Church, Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

Your Eminence Archbishop Khajag, respected members of our clergy, Diocesan Council members, and delegates:

This past year has been one of renewal in the ACYOA. Each year brings about new and exciting progress, and 2005 was no different. The details of our events and programs can be found printed in your report books. But today, rather than talking to you about what we have accomplished, I'd like to spend a minute or two sharing with you what the ACYOA needs.

This year, more than ever, we have been blessed with increased support on the Diocesan level, which shows that our Diocesan leadership has recognized that the work of the ACYOA is ministry in its truest form.

I want to take a moment in this audience to extend the sincere thanks and appreciation of each member of the Central Council to our Primate, and the Diocesan Council, for making youth ministry in this Diocese a top priority, and for supporting the ACYOA in every possible way. From our joint retreat in October, to the youth that have been invited to facilitate today's workshops, we have been inspired to rise to the occasion and take on the responsibilities we have been given.

St. Nersess and the ACYOA: Sisters in Ministry
Additionally, with the leadership of Fr. Daniel Findikyan, the ACYOA and St. Nersess Seminary have collaborated on many projects, most importantly our annual Leadership Conference, to be able to be as effective as possible in planting the seeds in our youth that will create more and more disciples in our Holy Church.

Four years ago, with your overwhelming support, we received an in-house presence at the Diocese with the re-establishment of the Executive Secretary position. Thanks to the decisions of this assembly in 2002, the effectiveness of the ACYOA has increased exponentially with the undying devotion of Nancy Basmajian, and the ACYOA has grown to the point where we would be crippled without this position.

The ACYOA is at an important crossroads we are doing well on so many levels. But the largest piece of the puzzle is missing, without which our successes will soon level off, and eventually begin to decrease.

Developing Relationships
With just seven volunteers on the Central Council and an Executive Secretary, giving each parish group the attention it needs is virtually impossible. The ACYOA is in high demand, and we are thankful for that. It means business is good. But often times we are left little to no time to develop the one-on-one relationships which are so crucial in building lasting church involvement.

We must now focus on the parish level. The Central Council has tried so many different methods to be able to ensure that every parish has the resources and tools needed to be able to develop ACYOA groups. Yet somehow, we have not yet been able to integrate the ACYOA into the day-to-day life of each parish. We struggle just to simply find out the names of the youth in the parishes, often being told "we have no youth here." When we send out nomination forms to each parish for our annual ACYOA awards, which honor the leadership of both ACYOA Juniors and Seniors, we receive only a handful back each year. Getting representatives to our Leadership Conference or General Assembly takes months of constant phone calls, e-mails, and follow up contacts.

The matter at hand is not one of General Assembly delegates, or the ACYOA budget, for those are reduced to byproducts in light of the true need of the ACYOA, and the Armenian Church as a whole. The ACYOA needs your witness. It needs you to share your personal experience of God's love in your own life with others in our Church of all ages. In the morning service today, we asked God to grant that we commit ourselves and one another to the Lord God almighty. It is God's will for us to be active members of the body of Christ. We must do everything in our power to allow that will to be done.

Mentoring and Inspiration
I know this is not an easy task, because it is very personal, and involves us opening up our hearts to others. But is very simple. That's all we need.

The parishes that have active ACYOA groups are not a result of funding or large membership. But they are the result of personal cultivated relationships, mentoring, and inspiration. In fact, our three newest chapters are from small parishes have created that sense of community without a wealth of resources to utilize.

Show your youth you need them right now. Not because we will need them to be on Parish Council in 20 years, but because they are as essential to the life of the Church now, today, as they will ever be.

The Light of Our Lord and Savior
This weekend, we wrap up the Diocesan theme which incorporates the phrase "Carrying the Flame." Last year at the Assembly, people shared what the flame means to them. To the ACYOA, the flame represents, above all, the light of our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This morning, our Primate said that it is important that we understand the needs of our youth. Make no mistake, our youth need Christ. And our youth need you to show them Christ.

The youth are hungry, constantly on a search for any sort of nourishment to feed their hearts and minds as they form their identity. But they don't know how to cook. So it is up us in this room to show them how. Just as children eat the food they are provided, your children and grandchildren will embrace the spiritual nourishment they receive.

We cannot afford to do any less than this. The future of the church in the next generation is of no concern to us, if we do not have a church tomorrow. It is imperative that we adopt this sense of urgency in our actions. Don't wait for the ACYOA, Sunday School, or anyone else to do it. The ACYOA is not just a youth organization. The ACYOA belongs to each and every one of you. The fate of the ACYOA is as much up to you as it is to us.

Our Church Has the Answers
In only two semesters of studying at St. Nersess, the most significant thing I have learned is that the faith of our 1700 hundred year old, ancient Armenian Church absolutely has the answers to every single one of the questions and that can so heavily weigh down the hearts and minds of our youth today.

We must own our faith, and teach our youth to own it themselves. People take care of what is theirs. Do not underestimate the effect your faith has on others.

Look around you. The youth are here. Their witness to you this morning was profound, heartfelt, and inspiring. However, this must be happening daily, from each one of us, not only between our Diocesan leadership, but between all of our faithful. This is the ONLY way to make a lasting impact. Inspiring this group is easy you have all already dedicated your time and efforts to the church. Now, we need to expand our scope.

Your Role
If we succeed in doing so, God will provide all the rest. The funding, the programs, the people - all of that will come if we focus our message on Christ.

I say this not to take the responsibility off the youth, nor to disregard the love and dedication you all have shown to the ACYOA, but I share this information to stress the important role you play in the future success of this organization, and to emphasize the effect that personal faith will have on every organization within this Diocese.

However, being inspired is useless if we do not take action accordingly.

Here's what you can do for us today. Make a list. Show us your youth. Write down the names of your children, relatives, parishioners, anyone you know between the ages of 18-25. Five Central Council members are present today. We have a copy of our national mailing list, that is sorely in need of updating. Come up to us after this session and help us update that list. Nominate someone for an ACYOA award. We have nomination forms here today. Now is the time to act.

At this point, I believe we can all use the advice of our beloved founder, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, of blessed memory, when he said, "Who is going to enlist in the bright future for our people and for our country and for mankind? You, the youth of the Church. So wake up from your slumber and get going forward and upward."

Maria Derderian is pursuing a Master's degree at St. Nersess Seminary as preparation for serving the Armenian Church in the area of youth ministry.

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St. Nersess..This Weekend...in Detroit!

Learning, Prayer and Fellowship at St. Ephrem Conference

A St. Nersess Seminarian Addresses the Eastern Diocesan Assembly

Archives

Categories

Directions to the Seminary

486 Bedford Road
Armonk, NY 10504

(simply input "St. Nersess Armenian Seminary" into Google Maps!)

Contact Us

St. Nersess..This Weekend...in Detroit!

Learning, Prayer and Fellowship at St. Ephrem Conference

A St. Nersess Seminarian Addresses the Eastern Diocesan Assembly

Archives

Categories

Directions to the Seminary

486 Bedford RoadArmonk, NY 10504​(simply input "St. Nersess Armenian Seminary" into Google Maps!)

Contact Us

486 Bedford Road
Armonk, NY 10504

(simply input "St. Nersess Armenian Seminary" into Google Maps!)