Message from the Very Rev. Fr. Aghan Gogchyan, Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, who recently visited the Seminary for a few days

“My time at St. Nersess can be described no other way than a ‘spiritual retreat.’ I did not expect this since this was my first time experiencing the state of New York. Your notion of New York is usually big buildings and never-ending noise, so I was naturally curious in how the Dioceses of North America could pull off a seminary in such an environment. Needless to say, the founders and visionaries that led to the physical grounds did a spectacular job in capturing the essence of a theological center in the modern world that maintains its monastic roots.

I make this observation as a priest born in Armenia and serving over two decades in the Armenian Convent in Jerusalem. I have seen countless monasteries and monastic settings throughout my service as an Armenian priest, and I felt peace in my heart and mind at St. Nersess as I would in Haghartsin in my hometown province of Tavush. I am so grateful that this hidden gem tucked away in the beautiful nature of the quiet town of Armonk is available to servants and students of the Armenian Church.

Also, it is worth mentioning that the staff, administration, and students were exceptional. Everyone showed genuine excitement to see a new face and I must say that it went both ways. God willing, I will return one day and offer a specialty course on the Armenian presence in Jerusalem. I walk away from this experience confident that the future of the Armenian Church in North America is secure as long as we continue to build and support institutions like the St. Nersess Seminary.”