“Mosaics in Ministry” Orientation Retreat
The seminarians gathered for their annual orientation retreat on September 18–20 at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY. The retreat was led by Dn. Yervant Kutchukian and Professor Roberta Ervine and centered on the theme of Mosaics of Ministry, exploring what each seminarian brings to ministry and how each member of a parish comes together as a mosaic in God’s Church.
Students in attendance included Dn. Arman Avedyan, Dn. Boghos Keleshian, Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian, Dn. Armen Bandikian, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Sdn. Serge Demirbacak, Dn. Sargis Ginosyan, Dn. Shane Janian, Sdn. Vrej Pilavdjian, and Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, was also present.
Der Mardiros led the daily services and spoke to the students about the meaning and rhythm of seminary life. He expressed his joy and gratitude for this year’s robust and faith-filled student body and reminded seminarians that St. Nersess is here to support them during their studies and beyond.
Saturday offered moments of both reflection and recreation, as the group enjoyed apple picking at a local orchard and gathered in the evening around a campfire for fellowship.
The retreat concluded on Sunday with Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor, and his parish warmly welcomed the seminarians who served on the altar and in the choir. Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan offered an inspiring sermon on the Season of the Cross and the Church as Bride of Christ. Dn. Armen Bandikian led the assembly for Sunday School, centered on the theme of Christ’s statement, “I am the bread of life.” All of the seminarians contributed to the “Golden Bag” during services, where Sunday School students place an item in the Golden Bag to try and stump Der Hayr on its spiritual application. Dn. Shane Janian offered a compelling reflection on the toy car that was found in the bag and how it is a reminder for all of us to take care of the “car” that is our body as it is the temple of God. So drive it well!
Following the service, the parish hosted a fellowship where seminarians met members of the community.
