Global
Posted: 10/02/2026
This fall, St. Nersess welcomes three new seminarians: Dn. Arman Avedyan, Dn. Boghos Keleshian, and Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian. They join returning students Dn. Armen Bandikian, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Sdn. Serge Demirbacak, Dn. Sargis Ginosyan, Dn. Shane Janian, Sdn. Vrej Pilavdjian, and Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian. In addition, the Seminary welcomes six hybrid part-time students (including two applicants for 2027 fall semester), all preparing for various forms of service in the Armenian Church.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Dn. Boghos Keleshian resides in Sydney, Australia, where he serves at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection. He holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Education, both completed in Sydney.
Originally from Boca Raton, FL, Dn. Arman Avedyan previously served at St. David Armenian Church. He studied classical voice and opera at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia. Over the years, his love for liturgical music drew him closer to the Armenian Church and became an integral part of his service.
Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian is from Pasadena, CA, where he has served at St. Gregory Armenian Church for more than 10 years. He earned his degree in political science and religion from the University of California, San Diego. In 2023, he was ordained to the diaconate by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.
St. Nersess Seminary provides tuition-free education to all new and returning seminarians. This is made possible through the generosity of supporters who believe in preparing priests and lay leaders who will guide the Armenian Church for generations to come. Donations can be made at stnersess.edu/support
