50th Anniversary Culmination to Take Place at St. Nersess Benefit Reception & Silent Auction

For the past four years, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary has organized a unique benefit reception and silent auction on the scenic grounds of the New Rochelle campus. Attendees gather under an elegant candlelit tent to feast on bountiful hors d’oeuvres, sip cocktails, enjoy good music, and warm camaraderie, all while supporting the only Armenian Seminary in North America serving the Armenian Church and people.

This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, September 22, will be the same with an added bonus. The two-year 50th anniversary celebration of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary – established in 1961 with first classes held in 1962 – will be culminating at this reception. Participants will reminisce on 50 years of St. Nersess past, celebrate the present, and learn about the exciting plans to secure the future of this institution for generations to come.

“I look forward to attending this year’s Stars event to re-connect with old friends, meet new ones and to celebrate the many new changes that will be taking place soon with the Seminary,” shared Jonathan Najarian, 50th anniversary co-chair. He explained that St. Nersess has been a part of his life for more than 25 years and will always hold a special place in his heart. “I hope you join me at this reception to help give back to a place that has given so much to so many,” he encouraged.

This is one of the largest annual fundraising endeavors for the Seminary. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Seminary’s youth and vocations programs, including those from the Silent Auction that will coincide with this reception. Several valuable and hard-to-come-by items are now available for bidding via the Seminary website. The online auction will continue through the “Evening Under the Stars” event on September 22 and remain open for both reception attendees and those at home on their computers to participate in the auction until bidding closes promptly at 9:30 that evening. Highest bidders for each item will then be announced near the conclusion of the reception.

“This reception has become a highly-anticipated and important fundraiser for the Seminary,” said Board member, Suzanne Akian, adding, “It is an outstanding way for anyone whose life has been positively impacted by St. Nersess, to give back to this most valuable institution to the Armenian Church here in America. And all while having a wonderful evening under the stars with good friends.”

His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), will also be in attendance to celebrate this Seminary milestone and to help unveil the plans for relocation of the institution in order to continue effectively educating future priests and lay leaders, inspiring young people, and providing valuable resources to the greater Armenian Church.

This 5th annual benefit reception will begin at 7:30 p.m. with guests being greeted and served by college-aged and young professional volunteers who have proudly attended recent St. Nersess Summer Conferences. Those enjoying the evening can look forward to hearing from these young adults as they, as well as the Primate, Seminary Dean and Board members speak about the importance of the only Seminary of the Armenian Church existing in the western world. Donation to attend is $75 per person.