InternationalAt 50, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary announced auspicious plans for future
Published: Monday October 31, 2011
Recent graduate Dn. Benjamin Rith-Najarian with Danielle Der Asadourian and Megan Jendian. Photo by Dn. Ryan Tellalian
New Rochelle, N.Y. - The fourth annual Evening Under the Stars at the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, on Saturday evening, September 24, was a two-pronged celebration. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary by the late Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. And there are plans to purchase a new complex soon in Armonk, NY that will educate and house Armenian seminarians for the next several decades.
This surprise announcement was made by Suzanne Akian of the institution's Board of Directors, to more than 100 clerical and lay supporters present who greeted the revelation with great enthusiasm. The support of the community is crucial for this vital effort, said Board Treasurer Steve Mekenian with emphasis.
Welcoming the attendees, the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, the dedicated Dean of St. Nersess, and Professor of Liturgical Studies, invited the co-chairman of the St. Nersess 50th anniversary campaign, Jonathan Najarian to greet the guests. He then introduced the four seminarians present - Deacon Christopher Sheklian, a doctoral candidate in anthropology at the University of Chicago; Eric Vozzy from Albany; Armand Uzunyan, a medical doctor from Armenia; and, Saro Kalayjian, son of Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian.
Outlining the many programs at the Seminary, Father Daniel detailed a new Master's degree in Diaconal Studies, intended for men who do not aspire to the priesthood, but wish to assist the priests in various aspects of their ministry. He also spoke about the Summer programs for the youth, a continuing educational program for clergy in October, and a November reunion and workshop for past participants of the Deacon's Training Program. He revealed that 40 clergy who are graduates of St. Nersess are now serving in parishes throughout the United States.
Besides a silent auction of several lovely items to benefit the Seminary, a live auction was dynamically conducted by Suzanne Akian of a handcrafted silver pendant created by Ani Khachian which was won by Dr. and Mrs. Raffi Hovanessian.
During the celebratory evening under a huge tent with colorfully decorated tables, planned and organized by Yeretzgin Paulette Doudoukjian, the attendees enjoyed several courses of Armenian delicacies prepared by chef Ovidar Padilla, and an open bar donated by Raffi Korozian.
Especially enthusiastic for the prospect of a new and larger seminary complex was Dr. Raffy Hovanessian who noted that "We have four new deacons of a more mature age, and the likelihood is that they will serve our church in the near future."
For Raffi Balian, a U.S. State Department Advisor, the evening was "a great opportunity to build rapport in the community. It's not only about seminarians, but it's also about us and the future of the church in America. It's great to see a dynamic, energized crowd, enthusiastic about serving the Seminary," he commented. And Sona Lise Haratunian, an UBS Senior Learning Designer, expressed great optimism and inspiration about the work of the Seminary, and the future of the church.
St. Nersess Board of Directors member Kevork Toroyan, delighted in the fact that so many young volunteers had dedicated their time in making the evening a success. And Eastern Diocesan Council Treasurer Papken Megerian was also impressed with the preparation of the event and the elegant auction. "I deeply believe in the Seminary's goals to prepare priests for our churches that don't have pastors," he said.
"This was our largest Evening Under the Stars event," gushed Suzanne Akian. Concerning plans for the new St. Nersess complex, she related, "We need a place where we can grow for the next 50 years, a place for classes, a library, land, as well as bachelors and married housing quarters."
She revealed that Mr. Haig Didizian of London, England, has already donated more than $2 million for one of the four buildings of the complex that will be named the Catholicos Karekin I Theological Center. "We need great support also from the community. This event gave me great faith that people have St. Nersess in their hearts."
Other members of the St. Nersess Board of Directors present were Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Michael Haratunian, Karen Dilimetin, and Nicole Vartanian.
Next year's Evening Under the Stars, which will crown the Seminary's two-year Golden Anniversary celebration has already been set for September 22, 2012.
