St. Nersess Alumni Celebrate Graduates Virtually

Members of the St. Nersess Alumni Association from around the country, along with other clergy, gathered virtually on May 19 to celebrate this year’s graduating class. The evening began with a Vespers service, presided by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese and Vice President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors.

The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, and Dn. Eric Vozzy, both alumni, organized the service from St. Hagop Chapel. Alumni members participated in various parts of the service. Following worship, Fr. Mardiros introduced the three graduates and invited them to speak. 

Dn. Armen Terjimanian and Dn. Timothy Aznavourian received their MDiv degrees from St. Nersess Seminary and St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Andrew Kayaian received his MA degree from St. Vladimir’s and will continue his studies at St. Nersess and St. Vladimir’s seminaries in the Fall, working towards a Master of Theology degree. Each graduate thanked all the people who have helped them on their journey and look forward to continuing in their respective ministries.

Arpi Nakashian, chairperson of the alumni association, then welcomed the graduates to the ranks as alumni. She shared how each member is a living stone, designed and polished by the fiery inspiration of the Holy spirit, each serving a unique place in the architecture of our Church, the body of Christ. Following her remarks, Arpi introduced Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, who offered his words of congratulations and expressed how they are now called to carry on our unique Armenian Christianity to our people. Before offering the final prayer and blessing, Archbishop Hovnan shared his wisdom with the group about how in his 40 years of priestly ministry, he has never given a second thought to his choice.