Seminarians Continue Learning During Summer Months

The St. Nersess seminarians have been busy during the summer months with their studies or activities.

Recent graduate Dn. Michael Sabounjian served on the faculty of the Deacons’ Training Program while student Dn. Timothy Aznavourian served as the Assistant Director. Dn. Timothy was ordained a deacon during the conference by Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. Both Dn. Michael and Dn. Timothy are now preparing for their travel to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where they will continue their studies for the upcoming academic year.

Armen Terjimanian is residing at the monastery of the Armenian Patriarchate for the summer, attending daily services and receiving private instruction in Armenian language, literature, and culture. “My experience in Jerusalem has been an unforgettable one. This is my third time here but my first time living in the vank. In addition to taking classes and attending and serving during church services, I’ve been able to interact with the local community and meet people who know or knew of my father’s family from Jerusalem. It’s pretty special to serve at the various altars in the Armenian churches and chapels in the Holy Land, especially with my family’s connection to the area,” explained Armen.

Dn. Albert Hambardzumyan and Dn. Alex Calikyan are completing their Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Norwalk Hospital in CT and North Shore University Hospital on Long Island, respectively. The program provides an opportunity to minister to patients and their family members and gain skills in pastoral practice. Seminarian Johnny Chadoyan is serving at St. Vartan Camp in upstate New York during the entire six week program.