St. Nersess Alumni from around the country gathered virtually on May 19 to celebrate this year’s graduating class. Presiding over the service was Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, along with Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese and Vice President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean, and Dn. Eric Vozzy, both alumni, anchored the service from St. Hagop Chapel.  Alumni from across the country participated in various parts of the service. Following the service Fr. Mardiros welcomed and invited everyone to the seminary in September when a formal celebration could be held for the graduates.

Then each of the graduates spoke. Dn. Armen Terjimanian and Dn. Timothy Aznavourian received their MDiv degrees from St. Nersess and St Vladimir's, and Andrew Kayaian received his MA degree from St. Vladimir's and will continue his studies at St. Nersess. Each thanked all the people who have helped them on their journey and look forward to continuing in their respective ministries.

Following, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian shared his wisdom with the group about how in his 40 years of priestly ministry, he never gave a second thought to his choice. Arpi Nakashian, chairperson of the alumni association, then welcomed the graduates to the ranks as alumni and shared how they, along with the many other graduates before them, have heard and answered God’s call. Finally, Bishop Daniel offered his congratulatory words and expressed how they are now called to carry on our unique Armenian Christianity to our people.