Seminarians Participate in Annual Retreat

The seminarians gathered on Enders Island in Mystic, CT, for their annual Lenten Retreat (delayed until Eastertide due to the pandemic) on April 16-18, led by Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, Spiritual Director, and Professor Roberta Ervine. The theme was “Jesus calming the storms: recognizing God’s presence and transforming our vulnerability.” A stormy sea provided an apropos backdrop as the seminarians explored the Gospel accounts of Jesus calming the storms in comparison with those of Jesus walking on water. Themes of fear and vulnerability were held up against hope and God’s protection, poignant themes in our current world.

The participants included Dn. Garen Hamamjian, Adam Bullock, Andrew Kayaian, Julia Hintlian, and Arman Shirikyan. The retreat concluded with the seminarians traveling to Hartford, CT to participate in the Divine Liturgy at St. George Armenian Church where they were joined by seminary dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian. Adam Bullock delivered the sermon while the other seminarians served at the altar and in the choir. All were warmly received by the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Voski Galstyan, a 2019 seminary graduate, and his family and parishioners. The visit concluded with a lovely lunch prepared by Yn. Margarita and parishioners.