Two Students from Jerusalem Enjoy Summer High School Conference at St. Nersess Seminary

Sts. Tarkmanchatz “is our second home,” Boyadjian chimes in. The classes are small in student number, and though the teachers are strict, personal attention is given to each student. Sts. Tarkmanchats “is special because it teaches those don’t know much about Armenians to learn the treasures of our rich heritage,” says Marina whose mother graduated from the school.

The students residing within the area of the Patriarchate also participate in their own clubs. “We always do things together in our two clubs. We have several activities and games. The clubs teach us how to be good scouts, good people,” says Boyadjian who at 6’ 2” tall, is a proficient basketball player.

Boyadjian loves mathematics. He hopes to attend college in Jerusalem, and become a tour guide “in three languages” in the city. The Armenian Quarter is a well-known part of the Old City. The St. James Armenian Cathedral with its legendary windows that glow with the oiled lamps and the changing hues of daylight, was built with no electricity. The traditional all-male choir is made up of seminarians, Boyadjian points out.

Gejekoushian said the sciences, in particular, biology and psychology are her favorites. Her goal is to attend Hebrew University, and become a doctor “so I can help people.” She points out that there are many doctors in Jerusalem hospitals from the West Bank. Gejekoushian, who is a fifth-generation Jerusalemite, loves this city because “my family is here, as well as a majority of my friends. This is an historic city. Every stone has its own story.”

Both students are also talented musicians, playing drums. Boyajian, whose father is a bus driver in Jerusalem, also plays the guitar, and Gejekoushian, the viola. Her father is a musician and plays multiple instruments and performs in a Christian band. Her family’s business is in ceramics and pottery.

“Being Armenian is special. Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity,” Boyajian states with obvious pride of the well-known fact. “Even if they put a gun to my head, my deep pride in my heritage would never be lessened,” Gejekoushian adds enthusiastically. “Our culture, language and history are rich and beautiful, and very unique.”