Commencement Exercises

On Friday, May 30, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary celebrated the graduation of Subdeacon Saro Kalayjian, who received a diploma in Armenian Church Studies from St. Nersess, and on the following day, a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

The event began with a Vesper service in the chapel. Following the service, Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Seminary Dean, opened the graduation ceremony by welcoming all who were present. Presiding at the event was Abp. Yeghishe Gizirian, spiritual father of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. A message received from Abp. Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, was read by Very. Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar. Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Rentel represented St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Professor of Liturgical Studies at St. Nersess, spoke on behalf of the St. Nersess faculty. Other faculty members present were Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, Dr. Roberta Ervine and Garen Karamyan. Seminarians Kathryn Ashbahian and Arpi Nakashian spoke in English and Armenian respectively on behalf of the student body, and Subdeacon Saro Kalayjian spoke on the occasion of his graduation.Other clergy and guests in attendance were Abp. Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Diocese of Iraq and graduate of St. Nersess and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries; Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan; Rev. Fr. Arnak Kasparian; Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian; Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian; Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan; Rev. Fr. Sevak Gabrielyan; Rev. Fr. Thomas Garabedian and Rev. Fr. Vertanes and Yn. Anahid Kalayjian, parents of Subdeacon Saro.

Many family and friends of the graduate enjoyed a reception on the seminary grounds and had an opportunity to personally congratulate him on his accomplishment.