ST. NERSESS REPORT

Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, also spoke to the Assembly delegates. He spoke of the recent ordinations in the Diocese, saying that St. Nersess Seminary is now responsible for 35 clergymen.

"Slowly but surely St. Nersess Seminary has become the heart of our diocese the spiritual birthplace of nearly half our diocese's clergy," he said. "It is a place where the precious traditions and teachings of the Armenian Church are savored and made relevant to our people today."

Fr. Findikyan announced to the Assembly that a new library, classroom, and chapel complex at the seminary will soon begin, with a ground breaking on Saturday June 12, 2004, at 1 p.m.

"The construction is a first step of attaining full accreditation for St. Nersess Seminary, which has become an absolute necessity," he said, adding that the process could take three to five years. "This accreditation will allow us to craft our own program, which better responds to the needs of our parishes and all of you."

He told the delegates that this year the Seminary was able to take its much valued summer conferences for young people on the road. It held a min-St. Nersess conference in March at the St. John Church in Southfield, MI. The Seminary is planning to hold two similar weekends in other areas this fall.

Stressing the importance of attracting people to study at the Seminary, Fr. Findikyan told the delegates that members of the Diocesan Council have formed a committee to work on projects and efforts to encourage young men to go into the Seminary.

"That's the kind of collaboration that has to strengthen and grow, and good things will come out of that I'm sure," Fr. Findikyan said.