St. Nersess Seminary launches Annual Appeal
Three new seminarians (from left) Eric Vozzy, Dn. Christopher Sheklian and Saro Kalayjian, worship alongside Fr. Daniel Findikyan.
2/12/2011
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – “We look to you, our long-time friends, to support this year’s direct appeal campaign, which serves to not only sustain, but also allows us to further develop our beloved St. Nersess Armenian Seminary,” encouraged Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean and Professor of Liturgical Studies.
Over the past five decades, the Seminary has served the Armenian Church and people in a variety of ways, including educating future priests and lay leaders; offering continuing education programs to currently ordained priests; expanding upon online liturgical resources available to the public; and rooting young people more deeply into the life of the church by means of the popular youth conferences.
“St. Nersess has a proud history of providing the Armenian Church in America with invaluable resources and will continue to do so in the years to come,” affirmed Fr. Findikyan, “However, we need your assistance.”
“The Seminary has made progress in managing costs, though the long-term financial model still needs some improvement,” said Stephen Mekenian. The Board of Directors is diligently working towards this. One option being researched is the possible relocation of St. Nersess. “The current facility in New Rochelle, NY, has served us well, but it is now time to consider making a move to a property that will be more functional and allow us to expand our work while having a more solid fiscal foundation,” explained the enthusiastic treasurer.
Mekenian, an actuarial consultant from Pleasantville, NY, continued, “Until that objective is realized, a vast majority of our funding comes directly from donations by the community. Therefore, I encourage you and especially those of my generation whose lives have been impacted by St. Nersess, to contribute towards this year’s annual appeal campaign.”
The St. Nersess Board of Directors hopes to surpass last year’s record-breaking annual appeal and also to secure a wider support base. To achieve these goals, they are asking current supporters to help spread the word and good works of the Seminary by reaching out to friends and family, encouraging them to make a donation towards this effort.
“Our ability to effectively educate our future priests and to inspire our young people for the next 50 years depends upon friends like you,” said Mekenian.
To do your part to help grow the Seminary and ultimately strengthen the Armenian Church in America, you may mail in your tax-deductible contribution to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary at 150 Stratton Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 with “2011 Appeal” marked in the memo; or make a secure online donation at www.stnersess.edu/support.
For more information about St. Nersess and the many programs it offers, visit the website or contact the Seminary at info@stnersess.edu.
