Global
Posted: 05/21/2026
The 2026 Graduation of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, held on May 15, celebrated the seminary’s mission of preparing clergy and lay ministers for the Armenian Church in North America. The ceremony honored the graduation of Dn. Arin Parsanian of the Western Diocese, as clergy, board members, faculty, students, alumni, family, and friends gathered in St. Hagop Chapel.
Officiating at the graduation was Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors. Although Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Vice President of the Board, was unable to attend, his message of unwavering support was read in Armenian by the V. Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Eastern Diocesan Vicar.
The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of the Seminary, welcomed guests and introduced the graduate. “All our graduates are like pieces of a mosaic, each different but together creating a beautiful image of the Armenian priesthood,” he said. “The knowledge Dn. Arin gained here will serve him well in the Western Diocese.”
Michael Kasparian, Secretary of the Seminary Board of Directors, congratulated the graduate and praised the seminarians for organizing two retreats during the academic year. “I cannot be more proud of our students and this institution,” he remarked.
Fr. Mardiros also recognized faculty members in attendance, including Fr. Davit Karamyan, Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, Dr. Roberta Ervine, Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, Dn. Hovannes Khosdeghian, EphiGenia Kastanas, and Leo Janigian.
Representing St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, the Rev. Dr. Bogdan Bucur, Associate Professor of Patristics, offered congratulations and encouragement to the graduate. “The Church you will serve is the Church of our forefathers, but it is also the Church of our future children and grandchildren. Walk humbly, have mercy, and do justice,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the faculty, Dr. Roberta Ervine reflected on the graduate’s journey: “Life is a road with twists and turns — some known and some unknown. As you leave this ‘fueling station,’ remember to share the road with others and always look up to follow Christ.”
Subdn. Shane Janian addressed the gathering on behalf of the seminarians, describing Dn. Arin as a mentor, like St. Nersess the Gracious. “Remember us and always remember the Father.” Fr. Mardiros then invited Dn. Adam Bullock to speak on behalf of the St. Nersess Alumni Association. “I have watched you grow,” he said, “and you carry a warmth and love that mirrors Christ. Take what you have learned and bring it back to the Western Diocese.”
Before receiving his diploma, Dn. Arin reflected on his four years at the seminary. “Upon my arrival, I began to pray for peace, patience, strength, faith, knowledge, and humility,” he shared. “I looked to Fr. Mardiros, our clergy, faculty, seminarians, staff, and parishioners at the many parishes I visited to help me grow in these virtues. I look forward to serving the Armenian Church.”
Mesrop Srpazan then presented Dn. Arin with his diploma and offered words of encouragement. “This is only the beginning of a new chapter,” he said. “Stay close to Christ. God forms His servants slowly, so do not be afraid to wait. Let St. Nersess be more than a place of study — it is a place to receive the Holy Spirit.”
He also expressed gratitude to Fr. Mardiros, clergy, faculty, board members, staff, and the graduate’s family and friends for their support and dedication.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered under a festive tent outside the Arsen Keleshian Dining Hall for a celebratory reception prepared by Marian Varteresian, the seminary cook. During the dinner, attendees also surprised Mesrop Srpazan with a birthday cake and song in honor of his birthday.
The following day, May 16, Dn. Arin Parsanian received his Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where Mesrop Srpazan personally presented his degree.
Photos from the commencement celebration were taken by Jebejian Images.CLICK HERE
