St. Nersess Deacons’ Training Program Held in the Western Diocese
For the fourth summer, a St. Nersess Deacons’ Training Program was offered in the Western Diocese at Hye Camp in Dunlap, CA. It was held August 11 – 17 and organized and directed by Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Fowler. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, seminary dean, traveled to the program and was part of the teaching staff. Joining from the Eastern Diocese was Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Eastern Diocesan Instructor of Sacred Music, who taught virtually. Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, a St. Nersess Seminarian, was part of the staff.
The program was blessed to have two deacons, one stole bearer, and four acolytes from throughout the Western Diocese. There were daily morning and evening prayer services – led by Fr. Anania Tsaturyan, Vicar of Central Valley, CA; deacons’ training classes, Bible studies, Armenian language classes, and lectures. The focus this summer was to teach the deacon chants of the Holy Badarak, the Peace and Rest hours, the liturgical movements with the poorvar, and the theological and biblical significance of the deacon’s position.
Program lecturers included Fr. Gomidas, who spoke about “The Origins of Diaconate”; Fr. Zaven Markosyan, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita, who spoke about “Service and Ministry”; Fr. Mardiros, who spoke about “Standing before the Burning Bush – Deacons Serving at the Altar of God”; and Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Western Diocese Librarian and Ecumenical Officer, gave two lectures on “Love and Service” and “The Presence of the Holy Spirit in our life.”
On Friday morning, Holy Badarak was celebrated by Fr. Gomidas, and everyone participated in different assignments.
The volunteer kitchen crew was comprised of Anahit Garabed, Sosik Parseghian, and Kaghtsrik Madoyan who treated the participants to delicious meals. In the evenings, the group bonded by singing Armenian songs from the St. Nersess songbook and participating in cultural activities.
The program was a wonderful way for both the participants and their mentors to bond through their Armenian faith, heritage, and traditions. Most importantly, they discussed and shared their experiences in responding to God’s call to serve.
