June Deacons' Program to Feature Training for Beginners and Veterans

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will offer its annual Deacons' Training Program this summer from June 25 to July 3. The program is for young men (age 15 and up) who would like to serve as altar servers and deacons. 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!
Basic Instruction for Beginners
Choose the course that's right for you. The Introductory Deacons' Course is for those 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."

Choose the course that's right for you. The Introductory Deacons' Course is for those 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."
Advanced Skills for Veterans
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 discover the riches of the Armenian Church's funeral services. Do you think funerals are gloomy and sad? You may be surprised. But beware! The deacon's parts of the funeral services are 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 exquisite hymns, "Tadya Der," "Pant Asdvadz," "Mertsetsa," and others.
All students will receive a booklet containing the complete musical notation for all of the hymns plus a CD containing mp3 recordings of all of the music to help you master the music and practice at home.
But wait. There's more. One lucky participant will win a new iPod Classic.
In addition to practical skills and music, special interactive lessons on the liturgy and traditions of the Armenian Church will take the mystery out of the rituals, the hymns, the symbols, and the chants.

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 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 important for any Armenian Christian.
Can Church Be Fun?
At St. Nersess we wouldn't have it any other way. Folk-singing, cultural activities, sports, games, special excursions, home-cooked meals, and the energy of 30 new friends will make your St. Nersess experience unforgettable. Like most young people who come through our doors, you'll be back year after year.
The cost of the ten-day program, including tuition, room and board on the Seminary campus, textbooks, and materials is $325. To download an application CLICK HERE.
Secure credit card payments may be made on-line by CLICKING HERE.
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.
A Little Armenian Goes a Long Way