ST. NERSESS ARMENIAN SEMINARY
Ս. ՆԵՐՍԷՍ ԸՆԾԱՅԱՐԱՆ
Preparing Leaders for Service in the Armenian Church since 1961
Another Beautiful Graduation Day

The 2022 St. Nersess Graduation served as a beautiful reminder of the seminary’s everyday mission – to educate future clergy and lay leaders of the Armenian Church. On Saturday, May 21, over 60 guests representing clergy, board of directors, faculty, alumni, and families of the graduate gathered in St. Hagop Chapel to witness the commencement ceremony. This year, the graduate was Dn. Adam Bullock.

Officiating at the graduation was the Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, the newly elected Primate of the Eastern Diocese and now President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors. Bishop Daniel Findikyan, who was also scheduled to be present was delayed in Armenia and unable to attend. Following Vespers, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, opened the graduation program by welcoming the guests and introducing the graduate saying, “Our graduates belong to all of us as new apostles who will go out and share the Light of Christ with the world.”
Arpi Nakashian, chairperson of the St. Nersess Alumni Association, addressed the guests, saying “We are few, but our harvest is good. Dn. Adam, you have chosen a field to plant, water and care for our future crops. The Association welcomes you and your wife Jenna!”

Speaking to the graduate as a fellow classmate was Dn. Garen Hamamjian, who spoke through Zoom from California. “Dn. Adam has been such an inspiration for me and is one of my closest friends, always finding time to help me. He is a true servant of Christ.”
Michael Haratunian, Board of Directors
Dr. Ionut-Alexandru Tudorie, Academic Dean at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
Then Michael Haratunian, representing the St. Nersess Board of Directors, addressed the graduate and guests, reminiscing about his service on the board. “I have enjoyed being a part of this institution, and I am thoroughly impressed with Dn. Adam and all those graduates who have come before him.” The board had just met for its semi-annual meeting prior to the graduation, and Fr. Mardiros recognized and thanked the board members in attendance for their support of the seminary.

Dr. Ionut-Alexandru Tudorie, Academic Dean at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, then spoke about the graduate. He first reminded everyone of the 50+ year affiliation between the two institutions. Although St. Vladimir’s is considering relocation in the coming years, St. Nersess will remain a priority in their plans. “Dn. Adam has really grown as a student, especially from the first time he was in my class a few years ago,” Dr. Tudorie said. “I am happy to share this special moment with you.” 
Der Mardiros recognized the faculty in attendance, including the Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Rev. Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, and Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, before introducing Prof. Roberta Ervine as the next speaker. She gave an emotional evaluation of Dn. Adam, how he grew up in a non-speaking Armenian world. “You have chosen the ancient values of Christianity, and I am impressed with your ability to navigate through the uncertainty with grace,” she announced. “Dn. Adam has the insight needed to guide his future parish.”

Before inviting Dn. Adam to speak, Fr. Mardiros thanked him for all that he did during his time at the seminary. “With each personal request, he always responded ‘of course Der Hayr.’”
Dn. Adam then shared his seminary journey, how he was afforded an extra year to take courses and share in fellowship to determine his path as a seminarian. “I immediately felt a love for Christ and for each other here. My classes opened my mind and has paved the way to priesthood,” exclaimed Dn. Adam. “I grew up in an Armenian Christian family and supportive parish in Worcester, MA. My wife, Jenna, supported me and stayed by me as I changed course from the corporate world to the seminary world. I thank all my professors and Fr. Mardiros who guided me.”

After presenting the diploma, Hayr Mesrop Parsamyan offered his personal reflections. “Today is the 7th time we have held the graduation on this beautiful campus,” he remarked. “The path of preparing for a life of service to the church involves sacrifice, personal challenge; a struggle to change and adjust, renew and redirect.” Fr. Mesrop concluded by saying, “The calling of this seminary, its graduates, and each one of us—is to become an “apostle” of Christ in this troubled world, everywhere we go to share the Good News of the Gospel of our Lord.” He also thanked Bishop Daniel, as primate, former dean and professor, for his inspiration and guidance of a whole generation.
Dn. Adam completed the Armenian Church Studies Program at St. Nersess Seminary and on the previous Saturday, he was amongst the graduates at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary to receive his Master of Divinity degree.

The joyful guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Wilma Petrossian, Manager of Food Services, under a tent outside the Arsen Keleshian Dining Hall. Everyone had an opportunity to personally congratulate the graduate on his accomplishments.
Board of Directors Hold Semi-Annual Meeting

On May 21, prior to the graduation ceremony, the Board of Directors met in the St. Nersess Library for their semi-annual meeting. The meeting was presided over by the new primate of the Eastern Diocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan who is now the President of the Board.
 
The board reviewed the seminary finances for the fiscal year ending May 31 and held elections for new officers. Dn. Adam Bullock, who graduated that evening, presented to the Board about his time at the seminary.
 
In his report, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, announced that two new Master of Divinity students from the Western Diocese will start in September. Two new special full-time students and three part-time distance learners will also join the student body this Fall.
 
He reviewed the upcoming youth summer programs, which will include the High School Summer Conference, Deacons’ Training Program, and a new Youth Choir Workshop fully funded by the Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Fund. Postponed from the summer of 2020, a Deacons’ Training Program in Jerusalem will take place the first two weeks in August led by the Der Mardiros.
 
Der Mardiros reviewed the series of lectures and workshops offered to students and the public during the academic year, as well as the parish visits and retreats he led during the year. He stated that more and more laypeople and clergy are taking advantage of the seminary’s remote learning resources.
 
Fundraising & Marketing Director, Donna Sirounian, briefly updated everyone on the latest development and marketing initiatives and the launch of the new website, www.stnersess.edu. The Board will meet again in the Fall.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE
Our newly launched website provides access to new information, archived videos, and more. Donate with ease and select how you would like to support the seminary! Check it out at www.stnersess.edu
Dean Attends Memorial Requiem for Canon Robert Wright

On May 19, a Memorial Eucharist in Memory of the Rev. Canon Dr. J. Robert Wright, a longtime friend and supporter of the Armenian Church, was held at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Representing St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and Bishop Daniel Findikyan, who was away in Armenia, was the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary. 
 
Fr. Mardiros read a letter written from Bishop Daniel to Bishop Andrew Dietsche, the 16th Episcopal Bishop of New York, reminiscing the life of Canon Wright and his personal reflections of him. Fr. Mardiros is also a longtime associate and friend to Canon Wright. 
 
“Canon Wright’s wisdom and deep knowledge of the eastern churches, especially of the Armenian Church, was highly valued by me—and, it must be said, by nearly every Armenian churchman and academic of standing in the English-speaking world,” wrote Bishop Daniel Findikyan.
 
Der Mardiros met with the V. Rev. Michael DeLashmutt, the new acting dean of the General Theological Seminary, following the ceremony.
The Perfect Graduation Gift!
 
Help pave the future of St. Nersess Seminary! Your donation of a personalized engraved brick will support the education of priests and non-ordained leaders for ministry in the Armenian Church in North America and beyond. 

Support The Path Forward with an engraved brick that will remain visible for generations to come. Recognize or Honor a graduate on our Founders Garden pathway, located on a pedestrian footpath in front of the Theological Center, or on our Prayer Garden Pathway, located in a secluded area adjacent to the Theological Center. Click here to donate.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
Deacons' Training Program, High School Summer Conference, and the Youth Choir Workshop (waitlist).
Click here to access and submit a registration form. Once your form is accepted, participants will receive further information to complete the registration process.

We look forward to welcoming you this summer on our campus! For more information, go to www.stnersess.edu
New Leadership Circle Level Added
 
Our Leadership Circle of donors want the best for St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the future of the Armenian Church in America. We appreciate how you help to motivate others, supply wisdom and experience, and provide the seminary with important financial support. Your moral and financial leadership empowers us to continue to strengthen our rich tradition of educating, engaging, and preparing leaders for service in the Armenian Church.
 
St. Nersess Seminary is important to the future of the Armenian Church in North America. The seminary provides a quality theological education that is firmly rooted in the faith and traditions of our Holy Armenian Church while fully utilizing the technological and financial resources of the 21st century. Through graduate-level education and spiritual formation, St. Nersess prepares priests for today’s Church and, as a seminary that welcomes women and men, St. Nersess prepares non-ordained ministers for service in youth ministry and education.
 
GUARDIAN ANGEL
$10,000/annually
 
GUARDIAN
$5,000/annually
 
PROTECTOR
$2,500/annually
 
SHEPHERD
$1,000/annually
 
HARVESTER
$500/annually
 
CARETAKER
$250/annually
 
Gifts can be made on a quarterly or monthly basis. Thank you and God bless you for your support and commitment to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. All donors are recognized on our website.