May 27, 2011 "A celebration such as we are enjoying today could only take place at St. Nersess Seminary," said Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of the Seminary at the conclusion of last Sunday's Commencement ceremonies. Indeed, eighty clergy, alumni, benefactors, family and friends flocked to the Seminary to celebrate the achievements, faith and vocation of Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan, who completed his seminary studies in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. The twenty-six year old graduate was born in Armenia but grew up in the United States, graduating from U.C.L.A. He was a student of the Western Diocese. His Eminence Abp. Yeghishé Gizirian, Past Primate of the Armenian Diocese of England and resident Spiritual Father of the Seminary, presided over the prayer service and commencement exercises. The graduate's parents, Hovhannes and Alysa Ksachikyan, and his brother Sarkis, travelled from Los Angeles to be present for the celebration. Archbishop Yeghishé Gizirian flanked by the graduate, his family and Seminary faculty | Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan was graduated from the Seminary during Commencement ceremonies on May 22. Deacon Mkrtich has grown from a quiet and reserved young man into a confident disciple of Jesus Christ, who has become a role model and big brother to his classmates," said Fr. Findikyan in his remarks in Armenian. "He will be a dedicated, compassionate and effective servant of our Lord and our Holy Church." Third-year seminarian Levon Asdourian served as salutatorian, speaking on behalf of the remaining students. With emotion, he reflected on how the graduate was an inspiration to him and his classmates. |
Closing the festivities, Archbishop Gizirian delivered a fiery endorsement of the graduate, of St. Nersess Seminary, and of the priestly vocation, drawing on the example of his own life. "Since I first entered the Seminary in 1940, God has blessed me with a wonderful life as a servant of our church," 'he roared, bringing the day to a close.
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