Welcoming New Seminarians for the 2026–27 Academic Year
The 2026–27 academic year is underway at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. “We are happy to welcome back our seven returning full-time students and three new students who are preparing for service in the Armenian Church,” shared Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean.
This fall, St. Nersess welcomes three new seminarians: Dn. Arman Avedyan, Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian, and Dn. Boghos Keleshian. They join returning students Dn. Armen Bandikian, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Sdn. Serge Demirbacak, Dn. Sargis Ginosyan, Dn. Shane Janian, Sdn. Vrej Pilavdjian, and Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian. In addition, the Seminary welcomes six hybrid part-time students (including two applicants for 2027 fall semester), all preparing for various forms of service in the Armenian Church.
Dn. Boghos Keleshian
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Dn. Boghos Keleshian resides in Sydney, Australia, where he serves at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection. He holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Education, both completed in Sydney.
“I believe that through serving the congregation, we serve God and express our love for Him. I am here to learn how to become a faithful servant of the Church as I grow in faith, emotional maturity, and spiritual life. My hope is to return to Australia and continue offering my humble service to my beloved congregation. I am grateful to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and my fellow seminarians for this humbling experience.”
Dn. Arman Avedyan
Originally from Boca Raton, FL, Dn. Arman Avedyan previously served at St. David Armenian Church. He studied classical voice and opera at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia. Over the years, his love for liturgical music drew him closer to the Armenian Church and became an integral part of his service.
Before coming to St. Nersess, Dn. Arman built a career in sales and marketing in the specialty food industry. His journey to seminary reflects a calling that has continued to unfold over many years.“
“My path to seminary was not a straight one, but rather an answer to a calling that has followed me for many years. Taking this step with my wife, Gohar, and our son, Matteos, has made this journey that much more meaningful.”
Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian
Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian is from Pasadena, CA, where he has served at St. Gregory Armenian Church for more than 10 years. He earned his degree in political science and religion from the University of California, San Diego. In 2023, he was ordained to the diaconate by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.
“Since I was eight years old, I knew that one day I would come to seminary. Every month, my Sunday School class would observe the Badarak from the balcony. My first Badarak on the altar was on Easter Eve, and that day marked the beginning of my service to the Armenian Church.”
St. Nersess Seminary provides tuition-free education to all new and returning seminarians. This is made possible through the generosity of supporters who believe in preparing priests and lay leaders who will guide the Armenian Church for generations to come. Donations can be made here.
