ST. NERSESS ARMENIAN SEMINARY
Ս. ՆԵՐՍԷՍ ԸՆԾԱՅԱՐԱՆ
Preparing Leaders for Service in the Armenian Church since 1961
Two St. Nersess Graduates’ Parishes Consecrate Churches

It doesn’t happen very often, but in the course of one week, two graduates of the seminary, who were also classmates, each celebrated the consecration of a new church.

“To witness the consecration of two churches one week apart, one in the Eastern and the other in the Western Diocese and the leadership of the pastors of those churches, both graduates of St. Nersess Seminary, was both inspiring and exciting. I applaud Der Ghevond and Der Yeghishe for this great accomplishment,” exclaimed Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, who was present at both consecrations.
The Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, a 2010 St. Nersess graduate and pastor of the St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Carrollton, TX, led the charge of his parish’s vision to build a new Armenian Church and banquet hall. This vision became a reality on April 22 & 23 when the church was consecrated by four bishops – Eastern Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan; former Primate and current Legate of Western Europe Archbishop Khajag Barsamian; Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian; and Primate of the Australian Diocese Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian.

The new sanctuary and complex are located atop a hill overlooking the Dallas suburb. Local parishioners were joined by friends and family from across the state and country to celebrate during the weekend of uplifting ceremonies.
In his sermon for the consecration Badarak, Bishop Daniel reflected on the new church as an expression of the Dallas community’s faith, perseverance, and generosity. He drew inspiration from prayers recorded in the Old Testament and called on the parishioners to embrace their new church.

"I am overjoyed that within one week, two churches have been consecrated in America and now two communities have a new home to worship, grow, and celebrate in,” reflected Fr. Ghevond. “It is even more significant that these two communities are led by St. Nersess graduates who, through their love for their people and God, have taken years of study, prayer and experience and have put them into action. Truly now we can see the fruits of years of labor," he continued.
The following weekend, on April 30, the Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan, a 2011 seminary graduate and pastor of St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento, CA, led his parishioners’ long-time quest to move their sanctuary to a new location. Because of the pastoral leadership of Der Yeghishe, the Sacramento parish has increased both in number of participants and in types of programs and outreach. The new property will allow them to celebrate liturgical services, hold functions in the hall, and use the classrooms for Saturday and Sunday Schools.

Parishioners, family and friends gathered to witness the consecration of their new church by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese and Vice President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, who officiated. "With the consecration of St. James, we are called to become the witnesses of Christ, the new disciples of our Lord’s Gospel," proclaimed Hovnan Srpazan during his sermon. “Our Beloved Father Yeghishe, as a graduate of St. Nersess Seminary, has been an exceptional priest of the Armenian Church. He fulfills his pastoral duties with devout dedication and love."
“As we prepared for the Consecration of St. James, I was following the progress of the Consecration of St. Sarkis Armenian Orthodox Church of Dallas, where my dear brother in Christ and fellow classmate from St. Nersess, Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, has been serving diligently by the grace of God,” commented Fr. Yeghishe. “It does not happen often where in the two Dioceses of the United States of America, two churches are consecrated a week apart from each other and the priests of those churches are graduates and classmates of the same seminary. I pray that God strengthens and blesses both of our communities and the faithful realize what a blessing it is to not only be part of these historical events but be the faithful members by whom God's will is fulfilled for His glory.”
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
still have some spots.
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.