Seminary Holds Annual Orientation Retreat
The seminarians gathered for their annual orientation retreat on September 12–14 at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY. The retreat was led by Dn. Yervant Kutchukian and Professor Roberta Ervine and centered on the theme, “Mystery and Arks.” Students and faculty alike were invited to reflect on what it means to be an ark — or Dabanag — by exploring the Ark of the Covenant in Scripture and the ark imagery in the writings of St. Gregory of Narek.
Students in attendance included Dn. Arin Parsanian, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian, Dn. Sargis Ginosyan, Dn. Armen Bandikian, Subdeacon Serge Demirbacak, and Stolebearer Shane Janian. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, was also present.
Der Mardiros led the daily services and spoke to the students about the meaning and rhythm of seminary life. He expressed his joy and gratitude for this year’s robust and faith-filled student body.
Saturday offered moments of both reflection and recreation, as the group enjoyed apple picking at a local orchard and gathered in the evening around a campfire for fellowship.
The retreat concluded on Sunday with Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, celebrated on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor, and his parish warmly welcomed the seminarians. Dn. Arin Parsanian offered a deeply moving homily, while the other seminarians served on the altar and in the choir. Following the service, the parish hosted an outdoor fellowship, where each seminarian shared what brought him to St. Nersess and reflected on lessons learned during his time of study.
Parishioners were visibly touched by the presence of the seminarians. One remarked that upon entering the church that morning and hearing their chanting and singing, she felt transported to what must have been the spiritual atmosphere of a medieval Armenian vank. Another shared that Dn. Arin’s sermon was “profoundly moving,” connecting human suffering to Christ’s sacrifice and victory through the Cross in a way she had never experienced before.
