Seminarians Attend Annual Lenten Retreat

The seminarians gathered on Enders Island in Mystic, CT, for their annual Lenten Retreat on March 18-20, led by Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, Spiritual Director, and Professor Roberta Ervine. The theme was “Shifting Perspectives: Seeing what is there and what is not there and acting on it.” Dr. Ervine drew from the experiences of Moses and Ezekiel to illustrate these aspects of shepherding God’s people. Pastoral care for one’s flock as well as God’s relationship with the shepherd were explored through the example of a shepherd’s relationship with his sheep.

The participants included Dn. Adam Bullock, Dn. Garen Hamamjian, Dn. Serop Krajekian, Arman Shirikyan, and Rhonda Boyajian. The retreat concluded on the Sunday of the Steward, with the seminarians traveling to Trumbull, CT to participate in the Divine Liturgy at the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension Church. They were joined by seminary dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, who was the day’s celebrant. Dn. Serop delivered the Armenian sermon and Dr. Ervine delivered the English sermon, while the other participants served at the altar and added their voices to the choir. All were warmly received by the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, and the Holy Ascension community. Following services, the seminarians and Fr. Mardiros enjoyed the opportunity to share in fellowship at a luncheon warmly prepared by parishioners.