Seminarians and Dean Lead Lenten Retreats in the Netherlands and Belgium

Over two consecutive weekends in March, Armenian young adults from across the Netherlands and Belgium gathered for Lenten retreats centered on the theme “Holy Week with the Lord.” These spiritually enriching programs brought together 110 participants for prayer, reflection, and fellowship in preparation for the Feast of the Holy Resurrection.

Both retreats were presided over by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, former Primate of the Eastern Diocese and current Pontifical Legate of the Western Europe and Representative of the Armenian Church to the Holy See, who encouraged participants to embrace Lent as a time of renewal, love, and a deeper relationship with Christ. Khajag Srpazan invited St. Nersess Seminary to lead and participate in each retreat.

The first retreat was held in the Netherlands March 6-8, and was led by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, seminary dean, accompanied by two seminarians – Shane Janian and Serge Demirbacak – who led Bible studies and offered spiritual presentations. Armenian clergy serving in the Netherlands – Fr. Taron Tadevosyan, Fr. Mashtotz Baghdasaryan, and Fr. Serovpe Alanjian – offered reflections during the daily services.  

The second retreat was held in Belgium March 13-15 and led by two St. Nersess seminarians – Dn. Arin Parsanian and Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan. Under their guidance, Bible study sessions were organized, as well as conversations on following the Lord during the last events of His life on earth during Holy Week. Also present were three clergymen serving in Belgium – Fr. Zadik Avedikian, Fr. Tirayr Hakobyan, and Fr. Maghakia Beskimizian – who offered spiritual reflections and guided the young people.

Each day was rooted in communal prayer and enriched by the sacred hymns and traditions of the Armenian Church. Time for personal reflection and small-group conversations allowed participants to share their experiences, deepen their understanding of faith, and consider how to carry Christ’s presence into their daily lives. Participants also had an opportunity to speak privately with clergy and the seminarians.

Both retreats concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. These gatherings not only prepared Armenian young adults for Easter but also strengthened bonds with the seminarians.

“As someone who grew up in The Netherlands, it was wonderful to come back home,” shared Serge Demirbacak. “This time, however, I did not return as the chair of the youth organization, camp director, or church board member but rather as a seminarian. It felt a little different because as a seminarian, people approached me as a mentor and sought my advice.”

“I enjoyed leading a Bible study on the betrayal of Christ, focusing on how to reflect, process, and deal with betrayal,” commented Shane Janian.

“I was happy to see active participation from everyone who came to the retreat,” shared Dn. Arin Parsanian. “I feel they left filled with more knowledge about Holy Week and what it means to walk with Christ.”

“The retreat in Brussels was a great opportunity to share what Lent and Holy Week means for us. I had a great time meeting the Clergy and young adults in Belgium, and sharing with them the importance of our Lord’s teachings and acts during Holy Week,” exclaimed Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan.