Community Outreach

On the evening of March 23, the St. Nersess seminarians volunteered with the Emergency Shelter Partnership (ESP) in Northern Westchester County. Founded in 2004, the shelter can be described as a ‘traveling shelter’ which is run by ESP and is supported by different faith communities in the area. During the winter months of November through March, they provide the clients with a place to sleep, a hot dinner and dessert, as well as breakfast and a packed bag lunch for the next day.

For the past eight years, St. Nersess Seminary has participated in this Outreach through St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Armonk who hosted 20 men this year. Seminarian Shane Janian spearheaded the outreach and organized the meal. “The joy of preparing a meal for the guests is a joy like no other,” stated Shane Janian. “As we prayed together, I noticed the devotion and faith of everyone in the room including the arms outstretched by the guests. More of Christ is revealed to us through service. Though it may seem that we are providing a meal and our time, it is nothing compared to the divine mystery that is revealed to us through the lives of who we have the pleasure of serving.”

Fr. Mardiros Chevian blessed the meal, while all the seminarians served the hot meal to the clients along with Marian Varteresian, the seminary cook, who prepared the meal. The packed bag lunches were prepared by seminarians and guest clergy residing at the seminary.