Deacons’ Training Program Welcomes Participants From 14 States

From June 28 – July 7, the Deacons’ Training Program welcomed a group of 34 young men who gathered together to learn the music and rituals of the Badarak and other services of the Armenian Church as well as their meaning and importance.

This year the program was filled to capacity and was co-directed by Dn. Ari Terjanian of St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church (Richmond Heights, OH) and Dn. Alex Calikyan, a 2019 graduate of the seminary. The faculty included the Bishop Daniel Findikyan, V. Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, Dn. Albert Hambardzumyan, Dn. Eric Vozzy, Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, Dr. Christopher Sheklian, and Arpi Nakashian.

The participants came from 14 states, including three who traveled from California. With great enthusiasm, the altar servers and prospective deacons actively participated in daily practical workshops, classes, discussions, Bible Study and worship.

The participants traveled to the diocesan complex in New York City where they spent the day with Bishop Daniel Findikyan and had a tour of St. Vartan Cathedral. While there, they met with Dr. Christopher Sheklian, director of the Zohrab Information Center, where they viewed ancient manuscripts. The participants also attended Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains, NY.

This week, the High School Summer Conference will commence on July 26.