St. Nersess High School Summer Conferences Inspire the Next Generation of Armenian Church Leaders
This summer, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary welcomed 50 high school students for its annual High School Summer Conferences, giving young people an opportunity to deepen their faith, explore their Armenian heritage, build lasting friendships, and consider their role in the future of the Armenian Church.
Held in two sessions — July 18–26 and August 1–9 — the conferences brought together students from the Eastern and Western Dioceses, as well as Jerusalem, representing parishes across California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Now in its 63rd year, the High School Summer Conferences remain a vital part of St. Nersess Seminary’s mission to prepare the next generation of lay leaders of the Armenian Church. Through a balance of spiritual formation, education, fellowship, and recreation, participants are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ, strengthen their connection to the Armenian Church, and discover the unique ways they can serve.
The program was directed by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, a 2010 St. Nersess graduate, with support from Program Coordinator Maria Derderian, a 2007 seminary graduate. Serving as counselors during both sessions were Serien Keleshian and Eduardo Carbonel. Additional counselors and staff included Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian (current seminarian), Dn. Tateos Rea, Bedros Maldjian, and Milla Shirikyan during Session A, and Vrej Pilavdjian (current seminarian), Victoria Amran, and Lucine Boloyan during Session B. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Seminary, was present throughout both conferences, supporting the directors, staff, and participants.
For the 17th consecutive year, students from Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School in Jerusalem were invited to participate, thanks to the generosity of benefactors who covered their travel and program expenses. This year’s participants from Jerusalem included Carine Abrahamian, Tamar Assi Koumijian, Kohar Der Matossian, and Kayaneh Gejekoushian.
“We were happy to offer our American students the opportunity to interact with their peers from Jerusalem once again,” shared Fr. Mardiros Chevian, seminary dean. “These friendships help strengthen the bonds that unite our young people across the global Armenian Church.”
This year’s main benefactors of the program were Russell and Susan Kashian (WI), joined by the Harry and Suzanne Toufayan Family Foundation (NJ), Vicken and Rosette Arslanian (NJ), George and Lorraine Marootian (NJ), Holy Cross Armenian Church (NY), with additional support from Keith and Karyn Bilezerian (MA). Their generosity made it possible for Carine Abrahamian, Tamar Assi Koumijian, Kohar Der Matossian, and Kayaneh Gejekoushian to experience the conference and form relationships that extend beyond geographic boundaries.
“My experience at St. Nersess was very special to me. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and I was able to make so many new friends. What made the week especially meaningful was the spiritual side of the session. We had Bible study and went to the chapel every morning and evening, which helped me grow closer to God and strengthen my faith,” declared Kayaneh Gejekoushian.
“St. Nersess was an amazing experience that I’ll always be grateful for. The friendships I made there will forever hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always cherish the memories I made and the people who made this summer so special,” shared Carine Abrahamian.
Being surrounded by Armenian culture, traditions, and community and sharing these experiences with other young Armenians were felt by Tamar Assi Koumijian and Kohar Der Matossian.
Growing in Faith and Community
Each day began and ended with worship, creating a rhythm of prayer that remained at the heart of the conference. Students also participated in Bible study, Armenian language lessons, and cultural activities, while lectures led by clergy and lay leaders — many of them St. Nersess graduates — encouraged thoughtful discussion about faith and the challenges young people encounter today.
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, visited the seminary during both sessions to spend time with the participants.
“You are the living flame of our Armenian Church. Keep it burning brightly!” he encouraged the students.
During Session B, Bishop Mesrop addressed the participants about faith in the digital age and the power of social media. He spoke candidly about how technology can distract and divide, while also providing opportunities to connect, encourage others, and spread the light of Christ. “The question is not simply how often we use it, but how faithfully we use it,” he reminded them.
Guest instructors during the High School sessions included: Yn. Lucine Sabounjian, Dr. Roberta Ervine, Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian, Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, Dn. Hrach Kasaryan, Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian, Laura Purutyan, Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Fr. Garabed Kochakian, and Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan.
Counselors also played an important role in the program, sharing their own faith journeys and creating opportunities for students to learn and connect outside the classroom. Interactive activities included Armenian line dancing, a bonfire with s’mores, a tavloo tournament, and the traditional talent show, which once again brought everyone together in laughter and celebration.
Afternoons provided time for recreation and fellowship. Students enjoyed the Grace Jelalian and Paul Shahinian Recreation Complex, playing ping-pong and pool, while others took part in soccer, volleyball, and basketball outdoors. Each session also included an afternoon beach trip to Point Pleasant, NJ, while each participant took part in daily responsibilities around campus, including cleaning assignments and meal crew.
A Place to Discover a Calling
For Fr. Ghevond, the significance of the conferences reaches far beyond the nine days students spend on campus. “The St. Nersess High School Summer Conferences are a foundational part of our youths’ spiritual formation and journey. The High School Conferences provide a unique opportunity for participants to find answers to questions, establish lifelong relationships, and grow in faith.”
That sense of transformation was echoed by the counselors who witnessed the students’ growth firsthand.
“Being a counselor at St. Nersess is a blessing to experience God’s presence within the youth,” shared Serien Keleshian. “It was deeply meaningful to witness the growth of the participants throughout the conferences, their dedication to serving the Church, and their renewal in faith through prayer, discussion, presentations, and Bible study, along with the friendships formed and memories made. The St. Nersess conferences offer an experience for the youth of the Armenian Church that they will carry with them throughout their lives, contributing to both the Church’s present vitality and its radiant future.”
Worship, Fellowship, and Armenian Tradition
On the first Sunday of Session A, participants traveled to St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains, NY, where they attended Divine Liturgy with Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, pastor, and the parish community. Students participated in the service on the altar and in the choir. During Session B, the students again worshipped at St. Gregory the Enlightener, with Fr. Ghevond Ajamian serving as the guest celebrant.
Each session concluded with Divine Liturgy celebrated by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian in St. Hagop Chapel on the St. Nersess campus. Following the final service, students and staff gathered in the Arsen Keleshian Dining Hall for a farewell brunch prepared by Marian Varteresian, who lovingly prepared all of the meals throughout both sessions.
For more than six decades, the High School Summer Conferences have provided a unique space where Armenian youth can encounter Christ, experience the beauty of the Armenian Church, strengthen their Armenian identity, and form friendships that often last a lifetime.
The impact of these conferences extends far beyond the summer. Students return home to their parishes carrying new experiences, deeper questions, stronger friendships, and a renewed sense of belonging to the Armenian Church.
As the next generation takes its place in the life of the Church, St. Nersess remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to discover not only who they are as Armenian Christians, but how God may be calling them to serve.
