St. Nersess Preaching Program: Summer Updates and Upcoming Offerings
The St. Nersess Preaching Program continues to build momentum with meaningful workshops and valuable resources for clergy. Following the success of its second workshop, held last month in the Midwest, the Program is currently finalizing videos and materials to complete the second module which will soon be available on its website.
The second Preaching Program workshop was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Chicago. Led by Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, the session focused on homiletical creativity as an expression of humility, drawing from liturgical and spiritual texts. Participants presented draft sermons and received peer feedback, fostering deeper reflection on preaching and spiritual growth.
Looking ahead, the third Preaching Program workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 17, at St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland, CA. This session will focus on the theme of “Storytelling in Preaching,” highlighting how narrative elements can be used effectively to bring Scripture and theological truths to life for today’s congregations.
New Karoz Series
The Preaching Program will soon launch a new Karoz sermon resource series on the Mother of God, designed to help our clergy prepare their sermons for the upcoming Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, celebrated on August 17. This rich collection will include:
• Nerses Lambronatsi, An Encomium on the Assumption of the All-blessed Theotokos
• Grigor Tatewatsi, A Homily on the Theotokos, on Prov. 31:14
• Grigor Tatewatsi, Another Homily on the Assumption of the Theotokos and on the Annunciation, from Song of Songs 4:12
• Grigor Tatewatsi, Homily on the Assumption of the Virgin Mother of God, from Prov. 31:29
• Petros Siwnetsi, Praise to the Holy Mother of God and Ever-virgin Mary
These homilies will be made available through the Preaching Program’s digital platform.
As always, clergy of the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of America are warmly invited to register for access to all preaching materials and workshop modules. The regular registration fee of $500 is waived for diocesan clergy — please contact Arpi Nakashian Bullockian, Chief Program Officer, at arpi@stnersess.edu to receive a free access code or with any questions.
The Preaching Program remains committed to equipping clergy with the tools, resources, and support they need to preach the Gospel with clarity, conviction, and grace.
Click here to view a short recap video from this Chicago session.
