Mkrtich Ksachikyan graduates from St. Nersess seminary

by Florence Avakian

Published: Thursday June 16, 2011

Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan is flanked by Abp. Yeghishé Gizirian, St. Nersess faculty members, his parents and brother.

Westchester, N.Y. - Outside, on Sunday, May 22, the weather was cold and cloudy, but inside St. Nersess Armenian Seminary located in the verdant and peaceful landscape of Westchester, NY, the spirit was warm and joyful as family, friends, clergy, instructors and students came to celebrate the graduation of Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan.

The event began with a service in the Seminary chapel officiated by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, visiting clergy, and seminarians, followed by a procession led by the clergy and instructors who joined the guests underneath a large tent for the graduation ceremony. The Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess Seminary welcomed the large crowd, including the parents of the graduate - Alysa and Hovhanness Ksachikyan, and brother Sarkis who had traveled from their home in Los Angeles.

Members of the clergy included Rev. Fathers Arten Ashjian, Mardiros Chevian, Karekin Kasparian (member, St. Nersess Board of Directors), Untzag Nalbandian (St. Nersess instructor), Stepanos Doudoukjian, Shnork Souin, Diran Bohajian and Gomidas Zohrabian. Instructors present were Professors Edward Matthews and Roberta Ervine, St. Vartan Cathedral choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian, and Solange Merdinian.

Blossomed like a flower

Calling the graduate "a wonderful student", Father Daniel in an eloquent address, said the graduate's calling and inspiration had started "in his heart and with his parents. I met him ten years ago as a thin, shy, fearful young man, and during the last decade, he has blossomed like a flower, personally and as a student. He has become like an "Avak" (big) brother to his fellow seminarians. We have witnessed his transformation, his growth in his faith, knowledge and self-confidence. And in this journey, he has never lost his humility."

Before giving his "message from the heart", the 26-year old graduate was presented with his diploma from Archbishop Yeghishe. "I want today to be important for me and you, because it's because of you that I'm here," said Deacon Mkrtich to the assembled. Paying tribute to his fellow seminarians, he thanked them for being "great examples" and teaching him how to "forgive and love as Christ did".

Deacon Mkrtich who revealed that he started attending church for the first time as a 17-year old, and has been a St. Nersess student since 2007, cited the great value of the Seminary's education, and stated, "I hope this seminary will live forever." A congratulatory letter was read from Western Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Treasurer of the Seminary's Board of Directors Steven Mekenian, with obvious emotion, expressed appreciation to the Seminary's "spiritual father" Archbishop Yeghishe, the instructors which also has included Professor Abraham Terian, to St. Nersess Administrator Deacon Levon Altiparmakian, office manager Michelle Gonzalez, the benefactors, and volunteers Megan Jendian (alumna), Zovig Ashjian, and photographer Deacon Diran Jebejian who were present.

St. Nersess alumnus and past Dean Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, in addressing Deacon Mkrtich noted, "You are being inducted into a body of people that has really accomplished, and continues to accomplish." These include the Primates of Great Britain and Iraq, the Vicar of the Diocese, the Dean of the Seminary, the pastors of the largest Armenian churches in the United States, and all of the clergy members of the Eastern Diocesan Council.

Seminarian Levon Asdourian, a close friend of the graduate, in an heartfelt message, described Deacon Mkrtich as "patient, humble, spiritual, and a bright star that gets brighter. God's path is narrow," he said. "Mkrtich guides those who are thirsty, hungry, exhausted. This place will darken a little when you leave," he related with an emotion-filled voice.

The beloved spiritual father of the Seminary, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, in wishing success to the graduate, recalled starting on his own spiritual path in Damascus in 1940. "From then until today, this has been my life. There has to be a reason why this ‘gochoom' (calling) is born and enhanced. During the Genocide, we lost thousands of priests. In their place, we need soldiers in the church to continue. We have to follow the examples of our forebears," he declared passionately, before concluding the ceremony with a prayer, and the singing of the Hayr Mer by all present.

Deacon Mkrtich who before enrolling in the Seminary was an accomplished boxer, plans to further his education in Etchmiadzin, on his journey to priesthood. In a brief conversation with this writer during the reception, he related how at age 17, when he decided to become a priest, he had been impatient to start his training. "It's not a small thing. It's about serving God. It's the difference between knowing and living. It's knowing that God is propelling you. This is very difficult to do, so you don't lose your humility."

"Yes, this is a graduation," he continued. "But I want everyone to see their role in this - my teachers, the clergymen in the parishes, the students. All of them have taught and made me. It's a moment to reflect what we do for each other as Christians, and how much more we can do," he said reflectively.