The long-standing and close relationship between St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, New Rochelle, NY, and St. Vladimir's Seminary was especially highlighted during the Paschal season. In April, Armenian Christian students—who study on both campuses—warmly welcomed St. Vladimir's Chancellor/CEO, the Very Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfield, and his wife, Matushka Thekla, to a family-like dinner in the dining hall at St. Nersess.
The Reverend Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess and graduate of St. Vladimir's (M.Div. '76), acted as host. He presented Fr. Chad and Matushka Thekla with an exquisitely carved, wooden paschal cross; in return, Fr. Chad presented Fr. Mardiros with newly published books from St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, as a gift to St. Nersess' library.
"As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide," said Fr. Chad, "we stand firmly with our Armenian brothers and sisters, and we recognize rapprochement between Eastern and Oriental Orthodox as the most important ecumenical issue of our times." Father Chad also encouraged senior seminarians in their future ministries.
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary became affiliated with St. Vladimir's Seminary in 1967; at that time Armenian students enrolled in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at St. Vladimir's resided on its campus, while maintaining their own liturgical life and taking specialized courses bearing on priestly ministry within the Armenian Church. Upon completion of their joint program, Armenian students received their M.Div. degree from St. Vladimir's and a Diploma in Armenian Church Studies from St. Nersess. In 1971 the first Armenian student graduated from the joint program.
In 1977 St. Nersess purchased its present campus in New Rochelle. In 1982 the Reverend Arshen Aivazyan became the first St. Nersess alumnus to be appointed its Dean, and the Armenian seminary's affiliation with St. Vladimir's was formalized.
Read a reflection by Armenian student Katheryn Ashbahian
Photos by Dn. Levon Altiparmakian
