St. Nersess Hosts 62nd Annual Summer Conferences
This summer, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary welcomed dozens of high school students to its annual High School Summer Conference, designed to help young adults delve into the fundamentals of their faith while addressing the challenges they face in today’s world. Two sessions were held: Session A from July 19–27 and Session B from August 2–10.
Rooted deeply in the traditions and teachings of the Armenian Church, the conferences drew participants from both the Eastern and Western Dioceses, as well as Jerusalem, representing parishes across AZ, CA, CT, FL, MA, MD, MI, NH, NY, NJ, PA, RI, TX, VA, and WI.
The program was directed by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, a 2010 seminary graduate, with support from Program Coordinator Maria Derderian, a 2007 seminary graduate. Serving as counselors at both sessions were Serien Keleshian, Tateos Rea, and Jacob Tabanian. Vrej Pilavdjian assisted in Session A only, while Victoria Amran, Dn. Armen Bandikian, and Lucine Boloyan joined for Session B. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, was present during both conferences and supported the directors and staff.
Now in its 62nd 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 balanced program of spiritual formation, educational opportunities, and recreational activities, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of their faith, forge lifelong friendships, and discover their unique role within the Armenian Church.
For the 16th consecutive year, students from the Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School in Jerusalem were invited to participate, thanks to the generosity of benefactors who covered their travel and program expenses.
“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.
This year’s main benefactors of the program were Russell and Susan Kashian (WI), joined by Vicken and Rosette Arslanian (NJ), Joseph and Kristine Casali (NJ), George and Lorraine Marootian (NJ), and Steven and Karen Nargizian (NJ), with additional support from Keith and Karyn Bilezerian (MA). Students traveling from Jerusalem included Talar DerMatossian, Rosine Demirjian and Hagop Shohmelian, who expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the program.
“St. Nersess is a one-of-a-kind experience, as it leaves a profound effect on individuals and produces a feeling of a new family,” shared Talar DerMatossian. “St. Nersess helps young teenagers get closer to God and build a stable relationship with Him.” Hagop Shohmelian added, “It was the best experience of my life.”
“I thank everyone involved in making my experience easy and unforgettable,” proclaimed Rosine Demirjian. “The memories I made will forever be in my heart along with all the people who are now my second family.”
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, visited the seminary during both sessions to meet with the participants. “When you return home, carry the light you’ve discovered here. Treasure the friendships, the laughter, the prayers — and let your faith shine wherever you go. You are the living flame of our Armenian Church. Keep it burning bright!” he encouraged.
Each day, the participants took part in morning and evening worship, Bible study, Armenian language lessons, and cultural activities. They also attended lectures by clergy and lay leaders, many of them seminary graduates, sparking thoughtful and lively discussions.
Presenters during Session A included Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, Dn. Hrach Kasaryan, Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, Dr. Andre Markarian, and Mr. George Marootian. In Session B, lectures were delivered by Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Fr. Diran Bohajian, Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian, Dr. Roberta Ervine, Dn. Hrach Kasaryan, Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, and Mr. George Marootian.
Counselors also contributed by sharing their own faith journeys and leading interactive activities, including a choreg-making lesson, a Christ icon art project, Armenian line dancing, a bonfire with s’mores, a tavloo tournament, and more. Students in Session A enjoyed a Vartavar-style water activity, while both groups participated in the long-standing tradition of the talent show.
Afternoons offered time for recreation and fellowship in the Grace Jelalian and Paul Shahinian Recreation Complex, where students played ping-pong and pool, or outside enjoying soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Each session also traveled to the Point Pleasant, NJ, for an afternoon beach day.
“The St. Nersess High School Summer Conferences are an integral part to the future of our church. It is from the ranks of the High School Summer Conference that participants become leaders, clergy, and faithful servants of the Armenian Church,” shared Fr. Ghevond. “It is a sanctuary where our youth come and commune with God and each other, returning to their families, parishes, and communities with a new outlook on their faith. I can confidently say that without these conferences, I would not be a priest today or have a relationship with Christ.”
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 his parish community, joining in altar service, choir, and scripture readings. During Session B, students worshipped at the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, with Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan and his parishioners.
Each session concluded with a Badarak celebrated by Fr. Ghevond Ajamian in the St. Hagop Chapel. Following the final service, participants gathered in the Arsen Keleshian Dining Hall to enjoy a farewell brunch prepared by Mari Shohmelian, who lovingly cooked all the meals throughout both weeks.
“I was humbled by the personal reflections and insightful questions of our Bible study group,” shared Lucine Boloyan, counselor. “The participants’ desire to seek God with joy and curiosity was inspiring.”
“Meeting the bright new generation of youth and witnessing their growth in faith and culture as we spent time praying, learning, singing, and laughing together is a humbling and unforgettable experience,” commented Serien Keleshian, counselor. “St. Nersess provides a transformative environment and opportunity for all involved, fostering genuine, lifelong relationships as true brothers and sisters in Christ.”
The St. Nersess High School Summer Conferences continue to make a lasting impact on the Armenian Church and community. By engaging teens in meaningful spiritual education, strengthening their ties to Armenian heritage, and nurturing leadership potential, the conferences ensure the vitality of the Church for generations to come. Participants departed spiritually refreshed, inspired, and ready to bring their faith into their home parishes.
“My daughter came home wanting to sing in our choir… we went to church today and she sang the whole time. I really had to hold myself back from crying. My heart is full. St. Nersess is what our youth truly needs,” shared a mother of a participant.
