​Recent Graduates Participate in Mini-Internships

On May 15, Dn. Timothy Aznavourian and Dn. Armen Terjimanian received their MDiv degrees from St. Nersess Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary without any fan-fare due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Shortly after, the two graduates began mini-internships for the month of June which will end next week on June 30. In addition to the remote courses offered to lay people and clergy this month, the mini-internships were created to replace programs that were cancelled this summer and would have required the graduates’ participation. In the near future, with the blessing of His Grace Bp. Daniel Findikyan, Dn. Timothy and Dn. Armen will each begin a year long internship within the Eastern Diocese.

We conducted a short Q&A with each graduate regarding their experience these past few weeks.

Dn. Timothy Aznavourian

Q: Where did you grow up and what is your home parish?
A: I was born in Boston, MA spending my childhood years in Malden, MA. I moved to Pawtucket, RI when I was 10, which is where I have spent the majority of my adult life. My home parish is Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, RI.

Q: What is your undergraduate degree?
A: I hold a B.A. in Philosophy from Rhode Island College in RI.

Q: Where are you interning and what are you doing?
A: I am interning at my wife Julianne Aznavourian’s (née Tavitian) parish, Hye Pointe Armenian Church in Haverhill, MA with the Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan as my mentor.

I have learned much during my mini-internship post-graduation, particularly in the age of COVID-19 and civil unrest. I have learned that the need for the Church to be there for its faithful remains the same, regardless of the circumstances. I have learned that it is important to really listen to the struggles and trials of the flock which is entrusted to our care. I have also learned that it is essential to be able to take direction from experienced and tested leaders of our Church, of which Fr. Vart is a prime example. I sincerely thank Fr. Vart and the Hye Pointe Armenian Church for welcoming me — albeit for a short time — into their fold once more!

Dn. Armen Terjimanian

Q: Where did you grow up and what is your home parish?
A: I’m originally from Troy, Michigan. My home parish is St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI. I also spent 9 years attending St. Mary Armenian Church in Washington, DC, when I lived and worked in the DC region.

Q: What is your undergraduate degree?
A: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Video Studies and Political Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, and a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University in New York City.

Q: Where are you interning and what are you doing?
A: Currently, I am doing a mini-internship with the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian (pastor) and the Rev. Fr. Armash Bagdasarian (assistant pastor) at St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI.

I have hit the ground sprinting in this month-long internship. I’ve been working with the parish’s Armenian Medical Advisory Team (AMAT) on how to re-open the parish to the faithful in a phased manner and also participated in auxiliary zoom meetings. Two weeks ago, I facilitated a virtual Bible Study and delivered the Sunday sermon and will deliver another sermon soon. I’ve asked Hayr Aren and Der Armash to give me as diverse a parish experience as possible in these tumultuous times. It’s been a great experience so far!