
Prospective deacons learn the alphabet in the St. Nersess Language Lab"Serve the Lord with gladness," said Fr. Daniel Findikyan, quoting Psalm 100 during last night's orientation session on the first day of the 2006 St. Nersess Deacons' Training Program.
Thirty young men, mostly teenagers, have arrived at the Seminary to take part in the annual program. The intensive -day program consists of practical training in the musical, liturgical, and language skills required of those who desire to serve with the priest during the Divine Liturgy and other worship services of the Armenian Church.
Prospective deacons learn the alphabet in the
St. Nersess Language Lab

Fr. Daniel is the program's director. He is being assisted this week by several clergy and deacons: Fr. Tateos Abdalian (Holy Trinity, Cheltenham, PA), Fr. Sahak Kaishian, Fr. Daniel Karadjian (St. Sarkis, Charlotte, NC), Fr. Mardiros Chevian (St. Vartan Cathedral, New York, NY), Deacon Sarkis Altunian (St. Sarkis, Dallas, TX), Deacon Levon Altiparmakian (St. Vartan Cathedral, New York), Sub-deacon Stephen Mangigian (St. John's, Southfield, MI) and Sub-deacon Haik Diloyan (St. James, Watertown, MA).

Advanced students who already have substantial experience serving as deacons for the Divine Liturgy focus their attention and learning on the Armenian Church's Morning ServiceAravodyan Zham, which is traditionally offered every morning.
All students have daily Armenian language class, which, emphasizes Armenian literacy. Students who do not know the Armenian alphabet are taught how to read Armenian using the innovative and highly effective Discover Armenianinteractive computer program. Students who do know how to read Armenian are coached to read Classical Armenian texts fluently, and to chant the liturgical Gospel.