St. Nersess Annual Appeal Campaign Underway

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary’s annual Direct Appeal campaign is well underway as the Board of Directors plan for an exciting future of expanded programming and a new location to ensure the future of this vital institution.

As members of the Board clearly stress, it is critical that the Armenian community collectively support the programming and work of St. Nersess, especially during this time of exciting and beneficial transition.

“St. Nersess has a proven and proud history of serving the Armenian Church in America,” said Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Seminary Dean. “We plan to build upon that to offer even more to the Armenian community, and our new facility will allow us a better opportunity to achieve this,” he explained

Seminary Mission Remains Strong

The ongoing mission of the Seminary includes the training of parish priests, providing continuing education to existing and newly-arrived clergy, offering public lectures, producing theological publications, sponsoring Deacons’ Training Programs, building vast online resources, and organizing youth conferences. In summary, St. Nersess has been effectively preparing leaders for the Armenian Church since 1961, and plans to offer the same quality of higher education for another 50 plus years.

As Dn. Justin Ajamian, a 2010 Seminary graduate now serving at the St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Dallas, TX, and prepares for ordination, noted, “Thanks to my education at St. Nersess, and through the Grace of God, I feel equipped with the tools to effectively pastor my flock in America.”

St. Nersess, and through the Grace of God, I feel equipped with the tools to effectively pastor my flock in America.”

Direct Appeal Goal

It is hoped that this year’s Direct Appeal campaign surpasses last year’s totals thanks to the ongoing generous contributions of loyal friends and supporters.

“Our goal for this year’s campaign is to approach $100,000,” stated Stephen Mekenian, Board Treasurer. He further explained that until the Seminary is settled into its new location in Armonk, NY, and ultimately rebuilds its financial model, a vast majority of the operating funds still comes from direct donations. The St. Nersess Direct Appeal campaign is the Seminary’s largest annual fundraisers.

“I kindly ask individuals of the Armenian community to make a contribution to support the only Armenian Seminary in the Western Hemisphere,” said Mekenian, adding, “I even encourage parishes to add a line item to their annual budget in support of the Seminary, especially if your pastor was trained through St. Nersess.”

 Make a tax-deductible contribution towards the 2012 Annual Appeal and help secure the Seminary’s exciting future.