ST. NERSESS ARMENIAN SEMINARY
Ս. ՆԵՐՍԷՍ ԸՆԾԱՅԱՐԱՆ
Preparing Leaders for Service in the Armenian Church since 1961
Fall Semester Welcomes Four New Students

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary began its Fall semester on August 25 with orientation and classes at the seminary and at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. "We are happy to welcome our seven full-time students who are studying for service in the Armenian Church," remarked the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean.

This year, we welcomed two new students - Zareh Mirzayan and Arin Parsanian - from the Western Diocese, who join west coast native Dn. Garen Hamamjian, Arman Shirikyan, and Dn. Serop Krajekian, all who are studying for their Master of Divinity degrees. We also welcomed Dan Bullock who is in the diaconate studies program, and Vardan Sargsyan who is in the religious studies program. Additionally, there are three part-time students studying remotely and in person.
Zareh Mirzayan, who grew up in Glendale, CA, attended St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. “So far, my experience at St Nersess includes a lot of hard work, but it is so rewarding! I love it here; the environment, facilities, staff, and educators are nothing short of amazing,” commented Zareh.

Arin Parsanian, who was born and grew up in Isfahan, Iran, attended the Holy Apostles Armenian Apostolic Church in Tujunga, CA. He studied mathematics and statistics at California State University in Northridge, and served four years in the US Navy. “My experience in seminary is unlike any experience I ever had, not even in the military. My day starts with prayer and ends with prayer which makes long days go quickly," reflected Arin.
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.
Arin Parsanian, Dn. Garen Hamamjian, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the Western Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, and Zareh Mirzayan.
Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople Shares with St. Nersess

The Very Rev. Fr. Harutyun Damadıan, a vartabed from the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, arrived at St. Nersess yesterday. During his extended stay at the seminary until the end of April, he will attend classes, improve his English, and visit parishes throughout the United States to better acquaint himself with the Armenian Church in America. Welcome Hayr Harutyun!
New St. Nersess Icons Consecrated

Last month, during the Deacons’ Training Program, a special service was held to consecrate two new icons in the St. Hagop Chapel: St. Nersess the Graceful and St. Nersess the Great. Officiating at the ceremony was Bishop Daniel Findikyan, who was assisted by the participants of the program. The icons were anonymously donated in commemoration of Fr. Karekin Kasparian, former Dean of St. Nersess and Fr. Mardiros Chevian, current Dean of St Nersess.

Fr. Karekin Kasparian has given over 60 years of service to the seminary. Over these many decades, he has served as assistant dean, dean, summer conference founder and director, faculty member, and as a board member since the seminary’s very beginning. “I am honored and privileged to have an icon in the St. Nersess Chapel. St. Nersess himself was a prominent churchman of the Armenian Church and has been a source of inspiration to many seminarians and seminary teachers,” remarked Fr. Karekin. “I am happy to be one of those teachers and I look forward to sharing more about this saint and his teachings with our new seminarians.”
Tree Donated in Yn. Diane Chevian's Memory

In early August, Jonathan Najarian, a long-time supporter of the seminary, donated and planted a tree in Yn. Diane’s memory. “To know Yn. Diane was to love her. She was an amazing woman, strong, loving, and courageous,” reflected Jonathon. “This Cherry Tree is a small remembrance of her. She is truly missed.”
Zhamakirk Available
Published in Jerusalem, this book is a convenient size (4" x 6") with clear print and is nicely bound. Great ordination or holiday gift for altar servers!

Cost: $23 (includes shipping). Slightly higher fees apply if ordered online.

Click here to order online or mail a check made payable to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary to St. Nersess Seminary, 486 Bedford Road, Armonk, NY 10504.
2022 Fall Public Lecture Series - on Zoom

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is offering its 2022 Fall Zoom Public Lecture Series in two parts on Thursday evenings at 7pm. All lectures are open to the public. Attendees may participate in one or all of the sessions. Please use the Zoom link to register.
 
September 1 - October 6, 2022 at 7pm
with Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, PhD
 
October 13 - December 1, 2022 at 7pm
with Dr. Jesse S. Arlen
Faith Building Women Symposium
REGISTER for this daylong conference
Leave Your Legacy!
 

Recognize or Honor a family member or friend 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.

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. 

Join Our Leadership Circle!
 
Our Leadership Circle of donors want the best for St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the future of the Armenian Church in America. 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 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, we prepare 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.