5th Annual Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Youth Choir Workshop Inspires Young Church Vocalists
From July 8–12, 2026, the 5th annual Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Youth Choir Workshop welcomed 28 musically talented youth to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary from 10 parishes across the Eastern Diocese. The intensive five-day program provided participants with a meaningful opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Armenian Church’s sacred music and develop their vocal and liturgical skills.
Directed by Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian, a seminary graduate and pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain, CT, and assisted by his wife, Yn. Lucine Sabounjian, the workshop was led by a capable team of clergy and musicians. Faculty included Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Armenian Church in Evanston, IL and Director of the Eastern Diocese’s Sacred Music Council, Emily Terjimanian, and counselors Serien Keleshian, Dn. Alex Dayenian and Maria Stepanyan. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, was present during the conference and supported the directors and staff.
Participants learned the sharagans for the Feast of the Transfiguration and explored the scriptures to prepare for this major feast day which fell on final day of the choir workshop. Students also took part in daily Matins and Vespers, serving as deacons, choir members, and readers, and built camaraderie through team-building and group activities.
On the second day, the group was honored by a visit from Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, who shared, “Hearing these young voices lifted my spirit and reminded me of the incredible gifts they bring to our Church. I am so grateful to have spent time with these future leaders of our Church and witnessed their dedication and passion.”
The participants put their musical skills to use when they were challenged with playing a song by ear using handbells. Each team enjoyed working together and performing their piece. This activity was led by counselor Maria who is he first alumnus of the Youth Choir Workshop to return as a counselor — a milestone that reflects the program’s growing impact.
This year’s workshop also featured several new traditions. For the first time, the group enjoyed a social outing to a local bowling alley, while Saturday brought plenty of laughter during Vartavar water games under the summer sun. Participants also learned traditional Armenian dances with counselors Dn. Alex Dayenian and Maria Stepanyan.
During a morning service, Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan encouraged the youth, reminding them that “they each play a unique and beautiful role in the choir while at St. Nersess and in their home parishes.”
The program concluded with a Sunday Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian, where the students formed the choir. His sermon explored how the participants are like the disciples who “climbed the mountain” by coming to St. Nersess to grow closer with Christ. “As we journey back to our homes (descending from the mountain), we are all reminded to take the light of God that we experienced during our time together singing and share it with others,” shared Fr. Haroutiun.
A Hokehankisd service was offered in memory of Yn. Diane Chevian, honoring the workshop’s namesake and inspiration.
The workshop is offered free of charge, supported by the Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Fund, established through generous donations following her passing in 2021. Contributions to the fund are still gratefully accepted to ensure the continuation of this meaningful program.
Reflecting on the program, Fr. Mardiros Chevian remarked, “It is truly inspiring to witness so many young people so devoted to learning the music of our Church.”
St. Nersess also extends sincere appreciation to Zovig Ashjian and Marian Varteresian, whose dedication in preparing meals and providing support behind the scenes helped make the workshop a success. Click more photos.
