Beyond the academic year, our seminarians are required to spend their summers in educational programs, including participating in a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, working at a Diocesan camp, and/or spending time in one of our seminaries abroad.
This summer, two seminarians completed their CPE requirement. Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, a student of the Western Diocese, completed his CPE at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles. The intensive program began on June 2. “My CPE experience taught me how to further serve and show love to all care seekers from different backgrounds and beliefs with the teachings and spirit of Christ,” shared Dn. Karo.
Dn. Arin Parsanian, also a student of the Western Diocese, completed his intensive 11-week CPE at PIH Health Whittier Hospital outside Los Angeles. “The CPE program changed me this summer. It improved my self-awareness as I reflected on three daily life goals: forgiveness, self-differentiation, and powerlessness. I already see a lot of positive changes. What I learned is not just for a hospital setting but for life. I also praise the Lord even more,” reflected Dn. Arin.
Student Shane Janian had the opportunity to help lead the Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA) with the blessing of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, where he gathered with over 300 members of the diaspora at the 25th anniversary of HEHEM’s ACYO World conference.
“The experience was of the most spiritually maturing and fruitful experiences I have ever had,” shared Shane. He also assisted clergy at Hye Camp in Fresno, CA, during Week 4 and was recently ordained a subdeacon.
All three have returned to St. Nersess for the Fall semester for the start of classes on August 25, along with four new students who are joining our current students. Together, the seminarians with our resident faculty and dean will attend the annual orientation retreat at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY, over the September 12-14 weekend.
This Fall, Dn. Garen Hamamjian, a 2024 graduate, will be teaching an 8-week course on the Liturgical Books of the Armenian Church. Recent graduates Dn. Arman Shirikyan will begin a parish internship, and Dn. Zareh Mirzayan will participate in Birthright Armenia.
