Deacons’ Training Program Welcomes Altar Servers from the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Dioceses Plus Belgium
From June 26 to July 5, the Deacons’ Training Program in Armonk, NY, welcomed 44 young men from the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Dioceses and Belgium.
The participants, both first-time and returning attendees, gathered to learn the music and rituals of the Badarak and other services of the Armenian Church, as well as their meaning and importance.
The program was led by co-directors Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian (2018 seminary graduate) and Dn. Alex Calikyan (2019 seminary graduate). The staff included counselors Dn. Johnny Chadoyan (a 2019 graduate), Dn. Alexander Khoja-Eynatyan, Arman Tarkhanian, and Aram Krajekian, who also took photos during the conference. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, was present during the conference and supported the directors.
The day after arrival, a Karasoonk Hokehankist was held for Fr. Karekin Kasparian in the St. Hagop Chapel. In attendance were his family, clergy, faculty and staff members, and Deacons’ Training Program participants. A memorial luncheon followed. Der Karekin will always be remembered for his foundational role in establishing the seminary in Evanston, IL, as a young deacon. He was instrumental in opening the seminary in 1961 under the leadership of its founder, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. He also played a key role in developing the Summer Conferences and the Deacons’ Training Program.
Daily Armenian language classes focused on learning to read the Armenian alphabet including: Beginner Armenian (new to the language), Intermediate Armenian (familiar with the letters, slowly reading), and Advanced Armenian (reading fluently and grammar study).
Participants also gained fluency in Deacons’ chanting in Armenian through four classes that were offered by different instructors: Symbolism, Etiquette, and Reverent Participation in the Holy Badarak (Fr. Tateos Abdalian); Chants of the Holy Badarak (Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian); Censing Patterns of the Holy Badarak (Fr. Andreas Garabedian, a 2019 seminary graduate); Deacon’s Chants of the Baptism and Marriage Service (Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian); Deacon’s Chants of the Night and Morning Hours (Dn. Alex Calikyan). All students received invaluable theological explanations behind our sacred rituals.
During the week, students participated in daily bible studies, morning and evening worship, and cultural activities.
On the first Sunday of the program, the group traveled to Fr. Haroutiun’s home parish in New Britain, CT, the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, where they actively participated in the Divine Liturgy and choir.
Throughout the week, there were evening lectures and activities offered by guest clergy, including Qualities and Character of Service (Dn. Armen Terjamanian, 2020 seminary graduate); Sacramental Theology of Wedding / Baptism (Fr. Sevak Gabrielyan); Christ/Holy Spirit in the Diaconate (Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan); Symbolic Significance of Badarak (Fr. Davit Karamyan); Witnessing Beyond Liturgical Worship (Dn. Hrach Kasaryan).
On Tuesday, the participants made the annual trek to Point Pleasant Beach in NJ, where the group enjoyed time on the beach and the boardwalk. This destination favorite is now in its 40th year.
On Friday, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the Seminary’s Board of Directors, spent time with the participants. “Thank you for your commitment and willingness to serve. Your love for the Church and your desire to serve the Lord are truly inspiring,” shared Mesrop Srpazan. “May God bless each of you, guide your journey, and strengthen you for the ministry ahead. I look forward to seeing how you will continue to grow and serve our Church.”
On Sunday morning, the last day of the program, the group celebrated Divine Liturgy in the St. Hagop Chapel with Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian as the celebrant. It was a special morning together before everyone departed.
“This year’s Deacons’ Training Program was not only our largest group in the history of the program, but the curiosity, passion, spiritual depth of our participants was truly remarkable,” shared Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian. “I leave this year’s DTP deeply grateful for the time and talent shared by our instructors and staff, while also being inspired, encouraged, and hopeful about the future of the Armenian Church.”
“Each year, my heart is full and spirit revitalized watching these young men grow into the deacons and altar servers our Lord has called them to be in the Armenian Church,” shared Dn. Alex Calikyan. “Many thanks to all who contributed their time and talents to making this year’s deacons training more successful than ever.”
The participants enjoyed wonderful meals throughout the week, prepared by Chef Joe Gatzmer. The program was supported by the seminary staff, including Dn. Levon Altiparmakian, Lucy Krikorian, Robin Perlmutter, and Donna Sirounian.
“We traveled from Belgium to the United States to attend the St. Nersess Seminary Deacons Training Program. We leave with grateful hearts, deeply inspired and spiritually strengthened by this unforgettable experience. Thank you all for your guidance, hospitality, and prayers. God bless the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.” -Arakel Karapet, Daniel Gonski, and Aleks Khodadadyan, acolytes of St. Grigor Narekatsi Church in Antwerp, Belgium.
“Whether it was meditation at night or working on my chanting of the deacons litanies for Badarak during the day, the memories I have made here will stay with me forever,” stated Nareg Bamboukian, Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Laval, Quebec, Canada. Four participants from this parish were driven down and back by their pastor, Fr. Komitas Mirzakhanyan, a seven hour drive.
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