The seminarians and a prospective student gathered at Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center in Madison, CT, for their annual Lenten Retreat on February 20–22. The retreat was led by Dn. Yervant Kutchukian, Spiritual Director, and Professor Roberta Ervine, and centered on the theme, “Is seeing believing?”

Drawing on Moses’ encounter with God in the burning bush, seminarians were invited to reflect on what we see, what we think we see, and how God calls us beyond our limitations. Through prayer, discussion, and quiet reflection, they considered their own perceived weaknesses and how, like Moses’ rod transformed into a serpent, God can transform our weaknesses into strengths in service to Him. Each seminarian was encouraged to confront his own “snakes” along the journey of discerning and embracing his calling.

The retreat concluded with the seminarians traveling to Trumbull to participate in the Divine Liturgy at the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension, where St. Nersess alumnus Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian served as celebrant. Dn. Karo delivered the sermon, and the seminarians served on the altar and sang in the choir alongside several St. Nersess Summer Conference participants. The parish warmly welcomed the group and hosted a lovely fellowship luncheon following the services.