Fall semester concludes

On Saturday, December 12, the seminary concluded its Fall semester with a celebration of Badarak on the Feast of St. James of Nisibis (St. Hagop). Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham, PA, was the guest celebrant and preacher. The seminarians and the dean, as well as Fr. Karekin Kasparian, participated in the service. During the service, everyone present lit candles in front of the icon of St. James which hangs in the chapel.
 
At the conclusion of the Badarak, Fr. Hakob blessed recent seminary graduate Dn. Armen Terjimanian and his wife Emily, who the previous weekend were married in their home parish of St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI. Dn. Armen is currently spending his year-long pastoral internship with Fr. Hakob at Holy Trinity.
 
Following the services, a festive luncheon was enjoyed by all in attendance. During the lunch, the newly married couple were honored by Fr. Mardiros Chevian who presented them with gifts from the seminary. The group also sang happy birthday to Professor Roberta Ervine!
 
The chapel, which was given in memory of Hagop & Khengaper Didizian, was consecrated and named St. James of Nisibis (Ս. Յակոբ Մծբնայ Հայրապետ) by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on November 12, 2016. Each year, on the saint’s feast day, Badarak is celebrated in the chapel.