Holy Martyrs' Armenian Day School Students Spend the Day at St. Nersess

Holy Martyrs' Armenian Day School Students Spend the Day at St. Nersess

Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School Students Enjoy Lunch at the Seminary

Mrs. Zarmine Boghosian, principal of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (Bayside, Queens) continued the tradition of an annual pilgrimage to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary with close to 75 students, teachers and parents attending. On Tuesday, May 20th, an overcast and dreary day threatened the HMADS trip to St. Nersess, but thank God, the rain held off long enough for the children to play games, BBQ and enjoy the day at St. Nersess. 

Day Begins in the Chapel

Upon arrival, the students, ranging from Kindergarten to 6th grade, filed into the seminary chapel, rank and order to begin the day with morning prayers. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Director of Youth and Vocations, greeted the youngsters, staff and parents on behalf of the Seminary. He told them how happy he was to have many young Armenian students at St. Nersess. "Maybe one day some of you boys will become Armenian priests when you get a bit older," he said. 

Fr. Doudoukjian also shared insights about the ArmenianArevakal (Sunrise) service. "Just like the rising of sun each day, Jesus Christ rises with us each day," he explained. The students then prayed the Arevakal service. They learned the hymn, Looys, which means "light."

"I really enjoyed praying in the chapel and I learned thatArevakal means the coming of the sun," noted Amanda Gomez-Shorhokian, a smiling Holy Martyrs' Day School youngster.

The Best Part of the Day

Following chapel, it was time to have fun. The kids went outside and enjoyed many games and sports. This was Ardak Tashchian's favorite part of the day. �Playing games with Mr. Sherman was the best part of my day at St. Nersess," Ardak said.

Other students as well also had favorite moments from the special field trip to St. Nersess, Natalie Kandian liked the BBQ and Thomas Soupionis enjoyed playing soccer in the big front yard of the Seminary.

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Meanwhile, parents and staff were also busy preparing a delicious BBQ lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. After running around out front playing many games, the students worked up a hearty appetite. Before the students knew it, the time had come to say goodbye to the 9-acre property in New Rochelle, affectionately known to many as St. Nersess. Already making plans for next year, the staff, faculty, students and parents made their way back to Bayside.

Daddy and His Little Girl

A Sanctuary
"Regardless of the weather, it was so tranquil and beautiful to be in this environment at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary," said Holy Martyrs teacher Mrs. Janet Marcarian. "It truly is a sanctuary and it brings me closer to our Creator."

Come Visit St. Nersess
St. Nersess welcomes Sunday School and Armenian School classes, parish groups and others to visit the Seminary. To inquire about a visit, contact Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian by email, or call the Seminary office at (914) 636-2003.