On Saturday, May 19, over 100 guests including friends and family of the graduates, clergy, board of directors, alumni and supporters of the seminary celebrated the graduation of Dn. Arman Galstyan and Dn. Michael Sabounjian who received their diplomas from St. Nersess Seminary.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, new Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, and His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who for nearly three decades led the Diocese and the Seminary as its Primate and President.

The program began with a vespers service in the St. Hagop Chapel. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, welcomed the guests and introduced each speaker who addressed the graduates during the graduation ceremony. Dn. Albert Hambardzumyan, representing the St. Nersess student body, spoke to the graduates saying, "Remember your roots at St. Nersess and always remain faithful servants."

Fr. Mardiros then introduced Garen Karamyan, Instructor of Classical & Modern Armenian, who proclaimed on the eve of Pentecost, he chose to speak in Armenian. "Let it be Pentecost in your lives every day so that you may be able to speak in all the unique and various languages of our people in order to bring unity in your parishes as future priests of the Armenian Church," said Garen.

Speaking to the graduates next was Dr. Roberta Ervine, Professor of Armenian Studies, who also referenced Pentecost, citing the uncertainty that the disciples felt on that day and asking the new graduates, "How will you encounter others and how will they respond?"

This was followed by the President of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, the Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, who thanked St. Nersess for its long standing 50-year collaborative relationship. "We will celebrate our anniversary with a special symposium on October 5, 2019...save the date."

Next the graduates addressed the attendees, starting with Dn. Arman, who completed his studies in the St. Nersess the Great Program for Late Vocations and received a Diploma in Armenian Church Studies. "Sometimes when you look back at your choices in life, you are not always sure of your decision. But I am so happy to have attended St. Nersess and am at peace with my choice. It was not always easy," he explained, as he detailed how his wife and children in Canada supported his busy travel schedule to the seminary to complete his degree.

Both Dn. Arman and Dn. Michael expressed their gratitude to their instructors, and Khajag Srpazan and Der Mardiros for their unconditional support and love. "As I reflect on the last three years, I am able to say I am a better Christian and servant of the Armenian Church," exclaimed Dn. Michael, who received a diploma in Armenian Church Studies. "St. Nersess filled my head with knowledge as I explored the heart of our church traditions," said Dn. Michael.

Before Fr. Daniel presented the graduates with their diplomas, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian addressed the room with a heartfelt message. "Today is a celebration of progress for both St. Nersess and our graduates. I have worked hard to make the vision of Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan a reality. The mission of the Armenian Church now continues through our graduates, whom I have watched grow through the years. With Fr. Daniel as the new Primate - this is also progress - I am confident for the future of the seminary and the diocese," declared Khajag Srpazan. He also thanked Fr. Mardiros and the faculty for their dedication, as well as the board of directors and benefactors of the seminary.

Fr. Daniel concluded the ceremony, referencing Pentecost and the disciples who were able to speak eloquently and inspire others and fill them with hope. "The Holy Spirit takes the divine energy of God and makes things possible. The Holy Spirit took Dn. Michael and Dn. Arman and made them graduates of the seminary. What will the Holy Spirit do next with St. Nersess? We must set our eyes and vision beyond where it has been."

The joyful guests moved from the chapel into the lobby of the Theological Center where they enjoyed a bountiful reception prepared by Wilma Petrossian, Manager of Food Services, and had an opportunity to personally congratulate the graduates on their accomplishments. The lavish dessert table was lovingly prepared and donated by Mary Stevoff of Chicago, the aunt of Yn. Diane Chevian.

Earlier in the afternoon, Dn. Michael Sabounjian was among the 20 graduates at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Seminarian Timothy Aznavourian gave the salutatorian address, a first for a St. Nersess student.

​This summer, Dn. Arman will continue his parish internship at St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, NJ. Dn. Michael will be teaching at the Deacons' Training Program in June and in the fall, he will continue his studies at the Seminary of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for an academic year.

photos by Dn. Ryan Tellalian and Donna Sirounian

​On Saturday May 5, following the conclusion of the Diocesan Assembly hosted by the St. Gregory the Enlightener parish of White Plains, the St. Nersess Alumni Association (SNAA), joined by the present body of seminarians, met for the first time in Armonk.  Also, the V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, former Dean, alumnus, current professor, and newly elected Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, attended the meeting.
 
The alumni discussed the mission, work, and purpose of SNAA. All members by a vote of confidence affirmed the leadership of Arpi Nakashian as Chairperson, Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian as Treasurer, and Dn. Daron Bolat as Secretary.
 
Arpi welcomed everyone and in the name of our gathering congratulated our newly elected Primate. She shared with us a recap of the St. Nersess Alumni Great Lenten retreat that took place in March and was graciously hosted by Fr. Vasken Kouzouian in Cambridge, MA.
 
A discussion took place regarding fundraising efforts by Alumni themselves to help the seminary directly with their own donations to the newly established Leadership Giving Circle for St. Nersess, personal donations, seeking out people with a passion for the mission of the seminary, inviting them to consider donating, and directing honorary donations remembering or celebrating departed and living individuals to the seminary.
 
The alumni also took the initiative to re-establish the adopt a seminarian initiative; thus making a more personal contact with the present body of students and mentoring them to become good shepherds of the Armenian Church. 
 
Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of the seminary, noted that this year is the 50th anniversary of the relationship established between St. Nersess and St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary for the Master's of Divinity degree program for St. Nersess students.  He noted as well that it has been 52 years at St. Vladimir's that the joint education of our students has been in place. Since 1966  there have been some 40 ordained clergy, including four Primates, the most recent being the Primate of the Eastern Diocese, the Very Reverend Father Daniel Findikyan.
 
The luncheon meeting of ideas, good works, brotherly and sisterly fellowship concluded with a surprise celebratory cake for our new Primate, Fr. Daniel, on the occasion of his election while the alumni sang unanimously Ուրախ լեր Սուրբ Եկեղեցի (rejoice Holy Church). After words of joy and prayers, the V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan gave his first blessing to us as Primate. The current seminarians were in attendance during lunch.
 
Thank you to the staff of our beloved Alma Mater for opening the doors to us and always keeping them open for a visit, to refresh our spirits and renew our ties to a small school that has produced an abundant harvest of leadership.
 
Fr. Garabed Kochakian
Alumnus 1973