The St. Nersess Alumni Association organized its first virtual prayer service on April 27 for over two dozen members. The service was led by His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, a 1989 St. Nersess alumnus and Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, and Dn. Eric Vozzy, both alumni, hosted the prayer service from the St. Hagop Chapel while alumni from across the country participated in various parts. "Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord ...Coming together on Zoom as St. Nersess Alumni proved these words of St. Paul to show us how the Power of God's Holy Spirit keeps us together," shared the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, a retired alumnus who resides in Michigan. "Our unity of purpose in keeping the Light of Christ in our ministry and praying together fortified me personally. Seeing each other's faces and hearing the voices that geography limits renewed us and strengthened our love for each other as sisters and brothers zooming along in our respective ministries."
His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, a 1989 St. Nersess alumnus and Primate of the Diocese of France, offered a reflection of hope during these challenging times. He spoke of how just as the Apostles were called and answered the call, the alumni of St Nersess were called to serve the Lord and answered the call. He also asked alumni to have courage like the brave women who overcame fear on Easter morning to go to the tomb only to find the tomb was empty and Jesus had risen from the dead.
"It is always a pleasure to return back to my Alma Mater, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. I was especially happy to be part of the virtual meeting of the Alumni, and see the faces of many colleagues, clergy and alumni whom I have not seen for a long time and to meet new alumni," commented Bishop Vahan. "God bless our seminary, its staff, the seminarians and the alumni."
After the service, Fr. Mardiros shared updates from the seminary including upcoming programs and virtual summer conferences, and everyone shared how they are handling these difficult times. "This virtual prayer time, rooted in the ancient Armenian Church liturgy, provides our members to uplift one another and raise each other's crosses in prayer with the power of the True and Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," reflected Arpi Nakashian, St. Nersess Alumni Association Chairperson.
The Alumni Association plans to hold regular virtual prayer services. Last evening, His Grace Bishop Nareg Berberian, alumnus and Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Brazil, presided and offered a spiritual message. Next week, members look forward to welcoming His Eminence Archbishop Avak Assadourian, alumnus and Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Iraq, to preside and offer a spiritual message.
The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, and Dn. Eric Vozzy, both alumni, hosted the prayer service from the St. Hagop Chapel while alumni from across the country participated in various parts. "Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord ...Coming together on Zoom as St. Nersess Alumni proved these words of St. Paul to show us how the Power of God's Holy Spirit keeps us together," shared the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, a retired alumnus who resides in Michigan. "Our unity of purpose in keeping the Light of Christ in our ministry and praying together fortified me personally. Seeing each other's faces and hearing the voices that geography limits renewed us and strengthened our love for each other as sisters and brothers zooming along in our respective ministries."
His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, a 1989 St. Nersess alumnus and Primate of the Diocese of France, offered a reflection of hope during these challenging times. He spoke of how just as the Apostles were called and answered the call, the alumni of St Nersess were called to serve the Lord and answered the call. He also asked alumni to have courage like the brave women who overcame fear on Easter morning to go to the tomb only to find the tomb was empty and Jesus had risen from the dead.
"It is always a pleasure to return back to my Alma Mater, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. I was especially happy to be part of the virtual meeting of the Alumni, and see the faces of many colleagues, clergy and alumni whom I have not seen for a long time and to meet new alumni," commented Bishop Vahan. "God bless our seminary, its staff, the seminarians and the alumni."
After the service, Fr. Mardiros shared updates from the seminary including upcoming programs and virtual summer conferences, and everyone shared how they are handling these difficult times. "This virtual prayer time, rooted in the ancient Armenian Church liturgy, provides our members to uplift one another and raise each other's crosses in prayer with the power of the True and Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," reflected Arpi Nakashian, St. Nersess Alumni Association Chairperson.
The Alumni Association plans to hold regular virtual prayer services. Last evening, His Grace Bishop Nareg Berberian, alumnus and Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Brazil, presided and offered a spiritual message. Next week, members look forward to welcoming His Eminence Archbishop Avak Assadourian, alumnus and Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Iraq, to preside and offer a spiritual message.
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