Where Are the Youth? At St. Nersess Seminary of Course

Summer is in full swing at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, where record numbers of young Armenian-Americans from throughout the three Armenian Dioceses of North America are rediscovering their Armenian Christian roots at the Seminary's popular summer conferences. This year, a record seven programs are being conducted for youth from Junior High through College age. For the first time ever a Young Adult weekend brought young professionals in their twenties and thirties to the Seminary in mid-June.

Lorig Kachadourian, a doctoral candidate in Psychology at the University of Buffalo recently called the St. Nersess Summer Conferences, "One of the greatest experiences of my life. I just loved St. Nersess. I'm so happy that the Seminary is now doing something for us 'older' people."

For over forty years the St. Nersess Summer Conferences have drawn thousands of young people into a deeper, more committed participation in the Armenian Church. Innovative presentations and frank discussions led by Armenian clergy, lay leaders, and the Seminary faculty invite the young people to look at their Armenian identity and Christian faith in a new way that is meaningful and exciting. Well-rounded and fun, the conferences, under the direction of Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Pastor of St. Peter's Armenian Church, Watervliet, NY, also include Bible study, Armenian language instruction, and worship, as well as sports, cultural, religious and social activities. Best of all, participants can be sure to return home having forged lasting friendships in a safe and loving Armenian environment.

"We try to present the very best the Armenian Church has to offer in a way that is relevant and appealing to young people," said V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of the Seminary, who has been involved with the summer conferences for more than 25 years. "No issue or question is out of bounds," he added. "The aim is to lead our kids back to the Armenian Church."

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