ARMONK, NY – On Saturday, September 26, 70 guests – including sponsors, clergy, and seminary board members and staff – gathered at the Claremont Resort & Club in Berkeley, California, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. The celebratory brunch brought together members of the Armenian Church community to reflect on the seminary’s legacy, recognize its impact, and look ahead to its future.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and Vice President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, joined the celebration. Also in attendance were Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Seminary Dean; Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland; Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan, pastor of St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento; Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena; and Dn. Arin Parsanian, a 2026 seminary graduate and pastoral assistant to Fr. Sarkis.
The morning began with a prayer offered by Fr. Krikor, followed by a festive brunch. Kim Bardakian served as emcee, welcoming guests and sharing her personal connection to St. Nersess. Recalling her experience as a summer conference participant during her teenage years, she invited others in attendance to raise their hands if they, too, had participated in a summer conference.
“What makes St. Nersess so special is that its impact reaches far beyond the walls of the seminary,” Kim shared, highlighting the lasting influence of the seminary’s programs on generations of students.
She then recognized clergy and graduates in the Western Diocese who had studied at St. Nersess, including Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan, and Dn. Arin Parsanian. She also acknowledged graduates serving the Armenian Church in other capacities, including Fr. Stepanos Dingilian, Dn. Hratch Tchilingirian, Dn. Garen Hamamjian, and Dn. Zareh Mirzayan. Today, three seminarians from the Western Diocese are studying at St. Nersess: Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Dn. Shane Janian, and Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian.
Dn. Arin was the first speaker, offering heartfelt thanks to Fr. Mardiros for his guidance and support throughout his seminary journey, particularly during times when he felt “lost.” Reflecting on his experience as a student, he acknowledged that seminarians often believe they have all the answers, but Fr. Mardiros taught him the importance of patience. He also expressed his gratitude to Hovnan Srpazan for his leadership and encouragement during his years at the seminary.
Fr. Sarkis followed, thanking Margaret Mgrublian as a member of the seminary’s Board of Directors and the brunch committee, and congratulated Dn. Arin and his fiancée, Andrea, on their recent engagement. In his remarks, Fr. Sarkis emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to consider the priesthood, reminding guests that it is everyone’s responsibility to share the message that serving the Church as a priest is a noble calling. “We need to continue the mission of the seminary,” he said.
Fr. Mardiros then addressed the gathering, reflecting on the seminary’s present accomplishments and future aspirations. He recognized the brunch committee – Valina Agbabian, Kim Bardakian, Beth Rustigian Broussalian, Karen Kouzoujian, Margaret Mgrublian, and Donna Sirounian – and thanked Kim for serving as emcee. He also acknowledged the board members in attendance: Jeff Hazarian, David Onanian, Margaret Mgrublian, and Fr. Sarkis Petoyan.
Reflecting on his years as dean, Fr. Mardiros shared, “I am blessed to have personally seen 40 graduates in my service as dean of the seminary.” He emphasized that St. Nersess serves all three North American dioceses — the Eastern, Western, and Canadian — and expressed his gratitude for the leadership and support of the three primates. He offered particular thanks to Hovnan Srpazan for his continued trust and support of his seminarians from the Western Diocese.
Fr. Mardiros also spoke about the seminary’s current enrollment and the growing interest in theological education, noting that 10 students are currently enrolled, with three additional candidates on the waiting list and six students studying part-time. As a “junior” seminary alongside the Seminaries of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, St. Nersess plays a distinct and essential role in preparing future clergy and Church leaders.
“Please help us reach our goals to serve you in the future. My gratitude to you all — this is your seminary!” he told the gathering, underscoring the importance of the community’s continued support in sustaining the seminary’s mission.
Founded in 1961 in Evanston, IL, through the vision of Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is the only Armenian seminary in the Western Hemisphere. Today, the seminary continues its mission from its campus in Armonk, NY. Over the past 65 years, it has formed approximately 70 clergy graduates, including four primates, as well as countless lay leaders who serve Armenian communities throughout North America and beyond.
Guests also viewed the recent video, 12 Vocations: Variety of Gifts – One Spirit, which highlights the diverse callings and ministries of 12 seminary graduates and the role St. Nersess has played in shaping their lives of service to the Armenian Church.
In his closing remarks, Hovnan Srpazan reflected on the enduring importance of the seminary’s mission and expressed his appreciation to Fr. Mardiros for his dedication to empowering students. He recalled how the vision of Tiran Srpazan established a roadmap for St. Nersess within the Armenian Church and emphasized the responsibility of the present generation to carry that vision forward.
The seminary’s mission, he noted, will continue to guide and strengthen the Armenian Church for generations to come, with the hope of sustaining its legacy for another 1,700 years. “Tomorrow’s church is present here today,” he declared, reminding everyone that the future of the Church is already taking shape through today’s students and the community that supports them.
The celebration concluded with a prayer, followed by the distribution of beautiful pomegranate ornaments, generously donated by Michael Aram, as keepsakes for guests.
The 65th anniversary brunch was more than a celebration of the seminary’s history. It was a testament to the generations of clergy and lay leaders whose lives have been shaped by St. Nersess and a reminder that its future depends on the continued faith, generosity, and commitment of the Armenian Church community.
