In an evening of joyful remembrance and reunion, St. Nersess Amrenian Seminary marked its 60th anniversary by paying tribute to the first twelve seminary graduates who went on to be ordained as priests of the Armenian Church.
Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Diocesan Primate and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, presided over the event that went forward under the title, “12 Vocations.” Some 200 guests filled the elegant ballroom of New Jersey’s Old Tappan Manor on Saturday, November 13.
The distinguished honorees (listed by ordination year) were Fr. Kevork Arakelian (1973); Fr. Garabed Kochakian (1976); Fr. Yeprem Kelegian (1977); Fr. Mardiros Chevian (1985); Fr. Shnork Demirjian (1991); Fr. Diran Bohajian (1993); Fr. Sahak Kaishian (1993); Fr. Tavit Boyajian (1993); Fr. Arakel Aljalian (1993); Fr. Vasken Kouzouian (1994); Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian (1996); and Fr. Simeon Odabashian (1996).
All had travelled from their home communities—two from the Western Diocese—for the occasion, thanks to the generosity of Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian. Seminary Dean Fr. Mardiros Chevian served as master of ceremonies, with remarks given by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, former Primate of the Eastern Diocese and currently Pontifical Legate of Western Europe; Seminary Board Chair Michael Haratunian; and several of the honorees.
Along with spoken and video tributes to the twelve priests, special commendations were awarded to Fr. Karekin Kasparian, the pioneering figure who encouraged so many of the honorees to pursue the priesthood; benefactor Dean Shahinian; and banquet co-chairs Margaret Kachigian Ajamian and Lynn Pinajian Beylerian.
Bishop Daniel closed the evening by offering thoughts on the profound influence that the seminary and its graduates have had on so many lives. He recalled the inspiration he himself had received as a teenager from one of the honorees—Fr. Arakelian—to pursue a vocation. “What a joyous evening to celebrate St. Nersess, and how it has touched every aspect of the Armenian Church around the world,” he said.
Click the following links to read an in-depth article abut the evening on the website of St. Nersess Seminary, and to view a gallery of photos.