St. Nersess High School Conference: Nurturing Our Youth’s Armenian Faith and Heritage
The St. Nersess High School Conference, held from July 20-28, 2024, was a transformative experience for the 31 high school participants who gathered to explore their faith and the rich heritage of the Armenian Church.
This annual conference, now in its 61st year, is deeply rooted in the traditions and teachings of the Armenian Church and offers young adults an opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of their faith while engaging in meaningful discussions about the challenges they face today.
Representing both the Eastern and Western Dioceses, as well as Jerusalem and Brazil, the participants hailed from parishes in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The conference was directed by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, a 2010 seminary graduate, with support from Program Coordinator Maria Derderian, a 2007 seminary graduate. The staff included counselors Victoria Amran, Armen Bandikian, Lucine Boloyan, Serien Keleshian, and Serop Lazarian who resides in Holland.
This conference is a vital part of the seminary’s efforts to establish the next generation of lay leaders of the Armenian Church. Through a carefully curated program that balances spiritual, educational and faith development with fellowship and recreation, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of their faith, form lasting friendships, and discover their unique role within the Armenian Church.
For the 15th year, students from the Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School in Jerusalem were invited to attend, thanks to the support of several benefactors who cover their expenses. “We were happy to offer our American students the opportunity to interact with their peers from Jerusalem once again,” shared the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean.
The main benefactors of the program this year were Russell and Susan Kashian (WI), joined by Drs. John and Sylvie Aljian (NJ), Joseph and Kristine Casali (NJ), George and Lorraine Marootian (NJ), and Steven and Karen Nargizian (NJ), with generous support from Keith and Karyn Bilezerian (MA), and Glen, Grant and Lily Dabaghian (NJ).
Traveling from Jerusalem were students Kenar Demirjian and Megheti Kevorkian, who were very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the program. “Attending the conference was an incredibly enriching experience for me. I felt a profound sense of belonging, as if I were part of a bigger family. I made friends who I know will be lifelong companions,” stated Megheti Kevorkian of Jerusalem. “Moreover, the conference deepened my appreciation for the church and strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am deeply grateful to the organizers for making all this possible and creating such a wonderful event.”
“My time at St.Nersess Seminary in New York was truly incredible,” recalls Kenar Demirjian. “From the warm welcome to the enriching lectures, discussions, and church services, every moment was meaningful. The counselors’ passion made learning a joy, and the sense of community amongst participants from diverse backgrounds was a highlight… the friendships I made will last a lifetime.”
On Tuesday, July 23, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, traveled to the seminary. After joining the group for dinner, Mesrop Srpazan shared his childhood spiritual journey and spoke of the recent consecration of the new cross atop the dome of St. Vartan Cathedral. The evening concluded with worship in the chapel.
Each day, the participants attended morning and evening worship, participated in Bible study, Armenian language class, and a cultural activity. They also listened to thought-provoking lectures by clergy and lay leaders, many of whom are seminary graduates, which sparked lively discussions.
Presenters throughout the week included Dr. Andre Markarian, an emergency room physician and deacon of the Armenian Church, who spoke on “Faith and Science” and provided a deep dive into how the Christian faith intersects with real-world issues. Fr. Garabed Kochakian’s session on “Iconography” offered a visual journey through the sacred art of the Armenian Church, highlighting the beauty and significance of religious icons. Dr. Ani Shahinian, Assistant Professor of the Grace & Paul Shahinian Lectureship in Armenian Christian Art & Culture spoke on “Martyrdom.”
Later in the week, each counselor offered a brief presentation, sharing his or her faith journey and inspiration to serve the Church. These topics included ministry to the deaf community, where the participants learned how to sign a sharagan in American Sign Language; the effects of technology and how our faith can shape our lives; and how to look to the Bible for guidance on everyday issues.
A new topic presented this year was “Sermon Time!” led by Arpi Nakashian, the seminary director of the Lilly Endowment Compelling Preaching Grant. Her interactive lecture offered students hands-on experience in public speaking. The session was not only educational but also competitive, as Director Fr. Ghevond Ajamian and Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian offered comments and served as lighthearted judges in selecting the winning presentation.
During the afternoons, the students explored fellowship time in the Grace Jelalian and Paul Shahinian Recreation Complex playing ping-pong and pool or outside playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball. A lively ‘Olympics’ relay race capped off a week-long competition, which included daily Church trivia questions during lunchtime. On Thursday, July 25, the participants traveled to Hammonasset Beach in CT for the afternoon followed by a bowling and arcade outing in White Plains that evening.
Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, a seminary alumnus and board member, pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, and new Director of Vocational Awareness for the Eastern Diocese, returned to the seminary to speak to the participants about a possible career path to the priesthood or lay ministry. He also spoke to students at the Deacons’ Training Program and Youth Choir Workshop.
Evening programs throughout the week included a presentation on “Gossip” by Lisa Byron, and a group discussion on the effects of social media, a movie night and discussion led by Andrew Kayaian, a 2021 seminary graduate, and the coveted Talent Show, a long-standing tradition.
On the first Sunday of the conference the participants traveled to St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains, NY, for Divine Liturgy with Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, pastor, and fellowship. Participants served at the altar, read the day’s Scripture readings, and sang in the choir. The conference concluded on Sunday, July 28, with Divine Liturgy in the St. Hagop Chapel celebrated by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian. Following the service, and before the participants departed, everyone filled the Arsen Keleshian Dining Hall for the last time to enjoy a brunch prepared by Lauren Kayaian, who served as the chef and prepared the meals throughout the week.
“Serving as a counselor at the St. Nersess High School Summer Conference was a deeply rewarding experience, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of faith and fellowship on young lives. It was a privilege to guide and support the students as they grew spiritually, made new friendships, and became family,” shared Serop Lazarian who joined the conference from Holland.
The impact of the St. Nersess High School Conference on the Armenian community and the Armenian Church is profound. By engaging young people in meaningful spiritual education and fostering a deep connection to their heritage, the conference plays a crucial role in ensuring the future vitality of the Church. The friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the faith deepened are gifts that the participants will carry with them for the rest of their lives. We hope they return to their home parishes spiritually refreshed and inspired to serve!
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