The Diocese
Posted: 09/28/2026
The 65th anniversary of the founding of St. Nersess Theological Seminary was celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Claremont Resort & Club in Berkeley, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
The anniversary gathering brought together clergy, St. Nersess alumni, benefactors, friends, and faithful to celebrate the Seminary’s six and a half decades of spiritual and educational service and to reaffirm their support for its continuing mission.
Following welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies Kim Bardakian, Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, Pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church of Oakland, offered the opening prayer. The program featured a video presentation, “12 Vocations: Variety of Gifts – One Spirit,” highlighting the Seminary’s mission and the ministries of those formed through its programs.
New St. Nersess graduate Deacon Arin Parsanian, Assistant Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena, shared his experience of spiritual and theological formation and reflected on the Seminary’s role in his journey toward church service.
Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena, also addressed the gathering, highlighting St. Nersess Seminary’s 65 years of service and its important place in the life of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
A central feature of the program was a presentation by Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Theological Seminary, entitled “St. Nersess Seminary: Present & Future.” He spoke about the Seminary’s current mission and vision for the future, emphasizing the vital importance of preparing the next generation of clergy. He also expressed gratitude to the Church, clergy, benefactors, and faithful whose dedication has sustained the Seminary’s mission for 65 years.
The anniversary program concluded with remarks by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees. Congratulating the Seminary on its milestone anniversary, the Primate commended its longstanding spiritual and educational contributions and emphasized that the occasion was both an opportunity to honor its rich legacy and renew the collective commitment to its future.
Archbishop Derderian underscored the vital mission of preparing clergy and emphasized that the future of the Armenian Church is closely connected to forming a new generation of spiritual servants grounded in faith, knowledge, and a spirit of service. He expressed his appreciation to Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, the faculty, Board of Trustees, benefactors, and all those who continue to support the Seminary’s mission.
Concluding with a prayer, the Primate asked God to strengthen St. Nersess Seminary, bless its mission, and grant new vocations to the Armenian Apostolic Church. He then conveyed his paternal blessing to all those in attendance.
The anniversary celebration was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Valina Akbabian, Kim Bardakian, Beth Rustigian Broussalian, Karen Kouzoujian, Margaret Mgrublian, and Donna Sirounian. Archbishop Derderian expressed his gratitude for their service and also thanked Michael Aram for providing commemorative gifts for the occasion.
Founded in 1961 and opening its doors in 1962, St. Nersess Theological Seminary has for more than six decades played an important role in preparing clergy and lay servants for the Armenian Church. Numerous young people have participated in its academic programs and youth initiatives, many of whom have gone on to serve the Church in North America and other communities.
The 65th anniversary celebration served as a meaningful occasion of gratitude and renewed commitment, honoring the Seminary’s legacy while looking toward the future and its continuing mission of strengthening the spiritual life of the Armenian Apostolic Church and future generations.
