Fall Semester Welcomes a New Student

Classes for the Fall semester are well underway at both St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. “We are happy to welcome back our full-time students and a new student who are studying for service in the Armenian Church,” remarked the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean.

This year, we welcome Shane Janian from the Western Diocese, who joins fellow west coast natives Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Dn. Zareh Mirzayan, and Dn. Arin Parsanian, all of whom are studying for their Master of Divinity degrees. Additionally, Dn. Arman Shirikyan will continue his studies in the St. Nersess the Great Program for Late Vocations, and two part-time students will continue studying remotely and in person.

Shane Janian was born and raised in Encino, CA. He served at St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral in Burbank and often visited parishes all across southern California to better connect with the community. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at California State University, Northridge.

“I was called to St. Nersess because I fell deeply in Love with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have no other reason to have come here,” explains Shane. “While studying at St. Nersess, I hope to further develop and understand what that Love is, as well as how to allow that Love to grow within my heart. What better place is there to continue that path than at St. Nersess?”

While all the students are engaged in coursework during the academic year, seminarians are also required to spend their summers in educational programs, including participating in a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, working at a Diocesan or AGBU summer camp, and studying at Holy Etchmiadzin. Following their graduation, they spend time at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to complete their studies. The students attended the annual orientation retreat at the Ararat Center in Greenville NY over the September 13-15 weekend.