St. Nersess Armenian Seminary Summer Conferences

05/28/2026

St. Nersess Online Launches Bible Study Leader Training

For the first time, St. Nersess Online offered training for summer conference counselors who will lead Bible Studies during the seminary’s summer youth programs.

Counselors assisting program directors at the Deacons’ Training Program, High School and Post-High School Conferences, and Youth Choir Workshop participated in a two-session online Biblical Studies Training designed to better equip leaders to guide discussions rooted in the Armenian Christian tradition.

The Zoom sessions were led by Dr. Roberta Ervine, Director of Studies and Professor of Armenian Christian Studies at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, and moderated by Arpi N. Bullockian, Chief Program Officer.

“These training sessions helped me to step back and approach a Bible verse with a child-like curiosity,” shared Milla Shirikyan of Holy Archangels Armenian Church in Haverhill, MA. “I was quick to jump to conclusions and try to discern meaning immediately upon reading a verse, but Dr. Ervine’s sessions helped me develop a more careful approach through asking questions. To read the Bible not just for a simple ‘answer,’ but to develop a relationship with Christ through the process.”

We are grateful for all 12 participants who dedicated their time to deepening their understanding of Scripture and preparing to serve our summer conference students. This new online training initiative further expands the seminary’s educational mission and strengthens the spiritual formation of its summer conference leadership.

05/21/2026

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary celebrated its 2026 Graduation on May 15, honoring Dn. Arin Parsanian of the Western Diocese. Clergy, faculty, students, alumni, staff, family, and friends gathered in St. Hagop Chapel for a moving ceremony celebrating faith, perseverance, and service to the Armenian Church.

Officiating was Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, who encouraged the graduate to “stay close to Christ” and reminded seminarians that “God forms His servants slowly.”

Although Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Vice President of the Board, was unable to attend, his message of unwavering support was read in Armenian by the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Eastern Diocesan Vicar.

Congratulations to Dn. Arin as he begins this next chapter of ministry and service to the Armenian Church! Read more on www.stnersess.edu and to view more photos.

05/02/2026

With profound sadness, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary mourns the loss of the Rev. Fr. Karekin Avak Kahana Kasparian, a lifelong and devoted servant of the Armenian Church.

He will always be remembered for his foundational role in establishing the seminary in Evanston, IL, as a young deacon. Known then as Deacon Hovhannes, he was instrumental in opening the seminary in 1961 under the leadership of its founder, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. He also played a key role in developing the Summer Conferences and the Deacons’ Training Program, initiatives that continue to educate and inspire thousands of Armenian youth more than six decades later.

Over the course of his remarkable ministry, Fr. Karekin held numerous roles at the seminary, including assistant dean, dean, faculty member, board member, and founder and director of the Summer Conferences. Most recently, he served as Armenian Language Instructor, continuing to shape our seminarians in their preparation of the priesthood. His presence remained constant and vibrant with current seminarians, and especially during the Summer Conferences, where he joined young participants in Bible studies, worship, and fellowship, always eager to build relationships with the future leaders of the Armenian Church.

In July 2022, a beautiful icon of St. Nersess the Great was anonymously donated to the seminary’s St. Hagop Chapel in his honor — a testament to the deep gratitude and affection he inspired. Click below to read more.

Email from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary   ST. NERSESS ARMENIAN SEMINARY Ս. ՆԵՐՍԷՍ ԸՆԾԱՅԱՐԱՆ Preparing Leaders for Service in the Armenian Church since 1961 www.stnersess.edu In Memoriam: Rev. Fr. Kar

04/23/2026

That Feeling of Being at St. Nersess!

Our Summer Conferences are filling up… Register today! Bring a friend

https://stnersess.edu/conferences/

03/02/2026

Don’t wait! Register now! Three opportunities to attend the popular St. Nersess Summer Conferences:

◆POST HIGH SCHOOL - *NEW* for ages 18-25!!
Wednesday, June 10 - Sunday, June 14

◆ HIGH SCHOOL A
Saturday, July 18 - Sunday, July 26

◆ HIGH SCHOOL B
Saturday, August 1 - Sunday, August 9

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeq0yOuv4OaOQQD1KBU2UD521uIKujbwFxswSL3v6dXJapTPw/viewform

02/09/2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
https://forms.gle/8GyRZdGRPsMku38V9

Deacons’ Training Program/Armonk, Youth Choir Workshop, Post High School, High School Conferences A & B, and Deacons’ Training Program/Jerusalem

Special Notes:
**NEW** Post High School: June 10-14
If you are between the ages of 18-25, and would like to return to a Summer Conference or attend for the first time, consider our NEW Post High School Conference!

**Deacons’ Training Program - JERUSALEM

If interested in the Jerusalem Deacons’ Training Program, special qualifications apply. Must contact Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean and program director, before registering: 914-273-0200.

02/06/2026

Who’s ready for summer??!
Registration will open on Monday. Check back here soon for details!

01/22/2026

Get ready!!!!

Young adults ages 18–25 are invited to attend the *NEW* Post–High School Conference.

Registration will open sooooon! 👀

01/07/2026