InternationalSt. Nersess Seminary holds "Evening Under the Stars"
Published: Tuesday November 03, 2009
New Rochelle, N.Y. - Under a star-studded sky, St. Nersess Seminary held its second Evening under the Stars benefit reception on September 26. It was attended by more than 110 supporters who gathered under a huge tent and enjoyed meeting old friends, dining on a variety of Armenian delicacies, and most importantly, contributing to a worthy and crucial project.
A sense of self-importance
Welcoming those present, Very Rev. Father Daniel Findikyan, the dean of St. Nersess, declared that the seminary is "the most important institution of the Armenian world. Our mission is second to none, and our work is paramount. There is no substitute for our seminary. Our challenge, which is enormous, is to find the right students, the very best."
St. Nersess Board of Directors member and event chairperson Suzanne Akian recalled that she was only 14 when she first attended the St. Nersess summer conferences, one of 5,000 young people who have had this experience over the years. This left an indelible impression on her, which has been manifested in her relentless efforts to see that the institution has a bright future.
"That experience during my adolescent years touched my heart deeply," she said, revealing that after her summer conference experience, she urged Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, now the director of youth and vocations at the Diocese, to attend. "He came and it changed his life. The baton of leading our community now has been passed to us. It's our turn to do our share. Think of how you can help – with generous donations and pledges, and other assistance, such as participating in events, and joining the Guardian program," she said.
Feeling the pressure of challenging economic times, St. Nersess established the "Guardians of St. Nersess", and the "Shepherds of St. Nersess" annual giving programs. The Board of Directos is reaching out to those who can pledge $5,000 or $1,000 annually to support the seminary's ongoing work.
Stressing the urgent need for funds, Mrs. Akian continued, "People are under the wrong assumption that the funds come from the Diocese. In reality, 99 percent of the operating budget of St. Nersess comes from donors. All priests who have and are attending St. Nersess study free of charge, so it is crucial to support this noble institution. The life of our church depends on it."
Rev. Fr. Doudoukjian, present with Yeretzgin Paulette, introduced talented and budding artist Alexa Chevian, the 16-year old daughter of Rev. Fr. Mardiros and Yeretzgin Diane Chevian. Fr. Mardiros is past dean of the seminary, and currently dean of St. Vartan Cathedral. Alexa's remarkable painting of St. Nersess Seminary was put on the auction bloc, and garnered an impressive $2,500 for the Seminary.
Second home
During the evening, a running video gave the assembled an eye view of daily life at the seminary, its students, their studies, and activities. Greg Guroian, a summer conference attendee for 15 years, and a sub-deacon at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church, commented on the warm atmosphere, calling the seminary "a second home. The friendships I made here are different than those from anywhere else. The great lectures at the summer conferences challenged you to reflect and look in on your spiritual level. I left feeling more confident about myself."
Several graduates and current instructors at St. Nersess were in attendance including Rev. Father Arten and Yeretzgin Mary Ashjian, Rev. Fr. Arnak and Yeretzgin Violet Kasparian, Rev. Fr. Carnig and Yeretzgin Arpene Hallajian, Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Deacon Leon Khoja-Eynatyan, and Professor Seta Dadoyan.
Disc jockey Sayat Kyumcu, another summer conference alumnus, provided music throughout the evening. Fifteen college students who had come in from all along the eastern seaboard, volunteered in different capacities, including parking cars, and serving refreshments. Following the program, a large decorated cake celebrated the event, bringing to a close an event of great importance.
Hosts for the event included Suzanne and Berj Akian, Haig and Nadine Ariyan, Karnig and Karen Durgarian, Gregory and Alicia Ekizian, V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Michael and Marie Haratunian, Raffy and Vicki Hovaneessian, Edward and Rita Jerejian, and Stephen and Lily Mekenian.
