The annual seminarian orientation retreat, held September 7-9 at the Ararat Center, was an occasion for students and faculty to welcome in a new academic year. It is also when the dean lays out plans for the academic year and addresses topics on seminary life.

It is always a special time to pray, reflect, gather in fellowship, and rededicate spiritually. In fact, the topic was, "What are you doing here?" The seminarians and faculty were challenged with reflecting on how each were called by God from early in their lives, how each has continued to listen to Him, and how that call has matured and developed.

The group concluded the retreat by joining the faithful of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, NY, and its pastor the Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, a St. Nersess graduate. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, was the guest celebrant and delivered the sermon. The congregation warmly received the seminarians and staff.

The retreat was led by the Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, Spiritual Director, and Dr. Roberta Ervine, St. Nersess Professor of Armenian Studies. Also, the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, Professor of Liturgical Theology and Primate of the Eastern Diocese, briefly attended the retreat and addressed the students. All were deeply impressed by the depth of spirituality of the seminarians.

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary began its fall semester on September 3. "We are happy to welcome back all our seminarians and two new students who will study for service in the Armenian Church," remarked the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean.

New student Andrew Kayaian grew up in Scarsdale, NY, and attends St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains, NY. He holds both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in history from Fordham University, New York City. Previously, he worked at the Zohrab Information Center of the Eastern Diocese. Andrew is pursuing a master's degree in theology at St. Vladimir's Seminary with coursework at St. Nersess Seminary.

New student Adam Bullock is from Worcester, MA, where he attends the Armenian Church of Our Savior. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and will be studying Armenian liturgical music, modern and classical Armenian, Armenian church history and canon law as a special student until a path is chosen for his ministry.

Seven seminarians are studying at St. Nersess and at the Seminary of Holy Etchmiadzin. While all the students are engaged in coursework during the academic year, seminarians are also required to spend their summers in educational programs, including: participating in a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, working at a Diocesan or AGBU summer camp, and studying at Holy Etchmiadzin or the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Following their graduation, they spend a full year at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to complete their studies.

The St. Nersess seminarians have been busy during the summer months with their studies or activities.
 
Recent graduate Dn. Michael Sabounjian served on the faculty of the Deacons' Training Program while student Dn. Timothy Aznavourian served as the Assistant Director. Dn. Timothy was ordained a deacon during the conference by Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. Both Dn. Michael and Dn. Timothy are now preparing for their travel to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where they will continue their studies for the upcoming academic year.
 
Armen Terjimanian is residing at the monastery of the Armenian Patriarchate for the summer, attending daily services and receiving private instruction in Armenian language, literature, and culture. "My experience in Jerusalem has been an unforgettable one. This is my third time here but my first time living in the vank. In addition to taking classes and attending and serving during church services, I've been able to interact with the local community and meet people who know or knew of my father's family from Jerusalem. It's pretty special to serve at the various altars in the Armenian churches and chapels in the Holy Land, especially with my family's connection to the area," explained Armen.

Dn. Albert Hambardzumyan and Dn. Alex Calikyan are completing their Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Norwalk Hospital in CT and North Shore University Hospital on Long Island, respectively. The program provides an opportunity to minister to patients and their family members and gain skills in pastoral practice. Seminarian Johnny Chadoyan is serving at St. Vartan Camp in upstate New York during the entire six week program.