Orientation Retreat Held at the Ararat Center

The annual seminarian orientation retreat, held September 7-9 at the Ararat Center, was an occasion for students and faculty to welcome in a new academic year. It is also when the dean lays out plans for the academic year and addresses topics on seminary life.

It is always a special time to pray, reflect, gather in fellowship, and rededicate spiritually. In fact, the topic was, “What are you doing here?” The seminarians and faculty were challenged with reflecting on how each were called by God from early in their lives, how each has continued to listen to Him, and how that call has matured and developed.

The group concluded the retreat by joining the faithful of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, NY, and its pastor the Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, a St. Nersess graduate. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, was the guest celebrant and delivered the sermon. The congregation warmly received the seminarians and staff.

The retreat was led by the Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, Spiritual Director, and Dr. Roberta Ervine, St. Nersess Professor of Armenian Studies. Also, the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, Professor of Liturgical Theology and Primate of the Eastern Diocese, briefly attended the retreat and addressed the students. All were deeply impressed by the depth of spirituality of the seminarians.