Category: Seminarians

Deacon Ordained at St. John Armenian Church

7/15/2019

On Sunday, July 14, Armen Terjimanian, a current seminarian, was ordained to the holy order of the diaconate by Bishop Daniel Findikyan.

Family, friends, the ACYOA Central Council and parishioners filled St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI, to witness the ordination. Dn. Mihran Hoplamazian served as his sponsor.

Several clergy were present, including the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, parish priest, Rev. Fr. Armash Baghdasarian, assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, and Rev. Fr. Abraham Ohanessian. St. Nersess board member, Oscar Tatosian, was also in attendance.

"I felt humbled and honored to be kneeling in front of the altar and receive my ordination into the diaconate, especially at the parish where I was baptized in and raised. It was certainly a moving experience," professed Dn. Armen. A celebratory khorovadz Armenian barbeque followed on the church grounds.

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Seminarian Attends International Summit

6/12/2019

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On May 31 to June 3, some 50 delegates representing over 40 Orthodox theological schools and seminaries world-wide convened in Istanbul, Turkey, for the third Halki Summit hosted by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Dn. Alex Calikyan, who was selected to represent St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, attended the summit. Event sponsors St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, NY, and Holy Cross Orthodox School of Theology, MA, covered the cost of lodging, meals, tours, and the summit for all participants.

The theme, "Theological Formation and Ecological Awareness", encouraged awareness and discussions of environmental sensitivity in the core curricula of theological institutions. It also echoed the Ecumenical Patriarchate Bartholomew's longstanding concern and ongoing initiatives for the protection of the natural environment. Affectionately known as the "Green Patriarch," His All-Holiness has organized two previous summits, in 2012 and 2015.

"This ecotheological summit was an incredibly important experience for me because it brought attention to a crisis that Christians do not pay enough attention to. The way in which we directly change our climate, and what that means for the planet which we call home, is an issue which all Christians, including the Armenian Church, can no longer ignore or deny, and it was a great honor for me to take part in an event that not only addresses that problem, but works to offer solutions to combat this problem from a faith-based perspective," recalled Dn. Alex.

The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, attended the final day of the summit in Istanbul, after spending a few days in Jerusalem. Both he and Dn. Alex had an opportunity to speak with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

During his brief stay in Jerusalem, Fr. Mardiros met with the dean of the Theological Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Tsaturyan. Together they discussed establishing communication and collaboration between St. Nersess Seminary and the Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The development of this relationship follows what has already been advanced between St. Nersess and the Seminary of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Fr. Mardiros also met with His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, about the possibility of holding next summer's Deacons' Training Program there. The Patriarch offered his approval and readiness to provide whatever support is needed to make it possible. The last time the program was held in Jerusalem was in 2014.

While in Istanbul, Fr. Mardiros had an opportunity to interview a potential St. Nersess student as well.

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A Celebration of Hope and Gratitude

5/28/2019

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<<More PHOTOS

On the evening of May 18, over 360 guests filled the grand ballroom to capacity at the Old Tappan Manor in New Jersey to honor two individuals who have supported St. Nersess Armenian Seminary unconditionally: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Bishop Daniel Findikyan. A joyfulness emanated from the sold out event as clergy, honored guests, alumni, faculty, board of directors, students, summer conference alumni, donors and guests celebrated the seminary's distinguished history and bright future.

The attendees enjoyed an abundant cocktail hour before being ushered into the main room to honor the evening's guests of honor.

The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, who served as the emcee for the evening, welcomed everyone and explained the meaning behind Hope and Gratitude. "Hope for the future as we begin a new chapter with Bishop Daniel as our primate of the Eastern Diocese and president of the St. Nersess board of directors; and gratitude for our accomplishments, in particular a debt of gratitude for Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who as our former primate and president of the board of directors, had the confidence and the foresight to save our institution from possible closure," Der Mardiros exclaimed.

Khajag Srpazan, who now serves as the Representative of the Armenian Church to the Vatican and Pontifical Legate of Western Europe, then gave the invocation.

A toast followed, which was offered to the engaged crowd by Michael Haratunian who is the secretary of the board of directors.

Fr. Mardiros introduced His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the U.S., who offered a few words. "Bishop Daniel, may you be blessed as a bishop and as you embark on your new journey... and with humility we thank you Khajag Srpazan for your years of service here and wish you well in your new role." Also in attendance was H.E. Mher Margaryan, Armenia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Der Mardiros recognized the main benefactor for the evening, Aso Tavitian, who graciously underwrote the cocktail hour and dinner for all the guests. Also present were the Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, president, and Dr. Alexandru Tudorie, academic dean, from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and the Very Rev. Kurt Dunkle, president and dean, at the General Theological Seminary.

After dinner was served, the seminarians sang a selection of Armenian hymns and popular songs under the direction of the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Diocesan Instructor of Sacred Music. Then a moving video entitled Hope and Gratitude was presented to the guests on multiple screens around the room. It detailed a day in the life of the seminarians and how the honorees' have helped to make St. Nersess a success story.

Fr. Mardiros took to the podium and recalled a quote expressed by Khajag Srpazan some time ago that could easily apply to the seminary: "In all these things we must never lose heart." Der Mardiros reminded the audience how the former primate was instrumental in leading the revitalization of the seminary and encouraged others to support its mission. Fr. Mardiros welcomed Khajag Srpazan as the next speaker.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian proclaimed, "I believe that St. Nersess Seminary is one of the most important institutions in North America." He continued, "many clergy and lay leaders who are serving in the Eastern and Western Dioceses today are St. Nersess alumni, and Bishop Daniel is an example of the important mission of the seminary."

He concluded his thoughts by speaking to the current seminarians and saying, "you need to understand that God has made us all different, but we can still respect and learn from one another. And that you need to understand these differences in society to be successful in your ministry." His suggestion and recommendation were based on his 48 years of being a clergyman, 40 years of which were spent in the Unites States including 28 years as the Primate of the Eastern Diocese.

Bishop Daniel then presented a special gift to the former primate, a beautiful artist rendering of Khajag Srpazan with the campuses of New Rochelle and Armonk in the background to depict his 28 years of service as the president of the St. Nersess board of directors.

Before inviting Bishop Daniel to give his message and benediction, Fr. Mardiros recognized the event co-chairs - Margaret Kachigian Ajamian and Lynn Pinajian Beylerian - who gave of themselves and did a phenomenal job in making the event a huge success.

He also recognized the Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, who received a standing ovation for his contribution to the seminary and to celebrate the anniversary of his ordination, wedding, and birthday (all on May 18!)

Bishop Daniel, who a week earlier was consecrated a bishop by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians in Holy Etchmiadzin, offered his parting words. "My story is St. Nersess", he proclaimed. "St. Nersess is the birthplace of my vocation. Fr. Kevork Arakelian, my priest in Binghamton, saw something in me as a 14-year-old and sent me to the Deacons' Training Program during the summer. Then Fr. Mardiros cultivated my faith..." He went on to say, "And now as primate, bishop, and president of the board of directors, I can offer even more support to the seminary, more than I could as a professor."

He also thanked Fr. Mardiros, who is serving as seminary dean for the second time, for his leadership, undying support, and contribution to the student body over the years. Bishop Daniel concluded, "We have much work to do as a diocese and as a seminary. That's why you are all here tonight to support us and help us... we need your assistance."

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Deacon Ordained at St. John Armenian Church

Seminarian Attends International Summit

A Celebration of Hope and Gratitude

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486 Bedford Road
Armonk, NY 10504

(PLEASE input "St. Nersess Armenian Seminary" into Google Maps for correct location!)

Contact Us

Deacon Ordained at St. John Armenian Church

​Seminarian Attends International Summit

A Celebration of Hope and Gratitude

Archives

Categories

Directions to the Seminary

486 Bedford RoadArmonk, NY 10504​(**PLEASE** input "St. Nersess Armenian Seminary" into Google Maps for correct location!)

Contact Us

Seminarian Attends International Summit

486 Bedford Road
Armonk, NY 10504

(PLEASE input "St. Nersess Armenian Seminary" into Google Maps for correct location!)