On the evening of March 26, the St. Nersess seminarians volunteered with the Emergency Shelter Partnership (ESP) in Northern Westchester County. Founded in 2004, the shelter can be described as a ‘traveling shelter’ which is run by ESP and is supported by different faith communities in the area. During the winter months of November through March, they provide the clients with a place to sleep, a hot dinner and dessert, as well as breakfast and a packed bag lunch for the next day.

For the past seven years, St. Nersess Seminary has participated in this Outreach through St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Armonk who hosted 18 men and women last month. This year, seminarian Shane Janian spearheaded the outreach and organized the meal. “I was pleased to be part of a mission led by God for the local community here in Armonk,” shared Shane. “It was an honor to be able to extend service beyond that of the Armenian Church to another part of the Body of Christ. I am eager to continue my work with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and those whom they shepherd.”

Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, blessed the meal, while three seminarians - Dn. Zareh Mirzayan, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, and Shane Janian - served the hot meal to the clients along with Marian Varteresian, the seminary cook, who prepared the meal. The packed bag lunches were prepared by seminarians and guest clergy residing at the seminary.