ARMONK, N.Y. — The 2026–27 academic year is underway at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. “We are happy to welcome back our seven returning full-time students and three new students who are preparing for service in the Armenian Church,” shared Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean.
This fall, St. Nersess welcomes three new seminarians: Dn. Arman Avedyan, Dn. Johnathan Dergazarian, and Dn. Boghos Keleshian. They join returning students Dn. Armen Bandikian, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, Sdn. Serge Demirbacak, Dn. Sargis Ginosyan, Dn. Shane Janian, Sdn. Vrej Pilavdjian, and Dn. Thomas Toghramadjian. In addition, the Seminary welcomes six hybrid part-time students (including two applicants for 2027 fall semester), all preparing for various forms of service in the Armenian Church.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Keleshian resides in Sydney, Australia, where he serves at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection. He holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Education, both completed in Sydney.
“I believe that through serving the congregation, we serve God and express our love for Him. I am here to learn how to become a faithful servant of the Church as I grow in faith, emotional maturity, and spiritual life. My hope is to return to Australia and continue offering my humble service to my beloved congregation. I am grateful to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and my fellow seminarians for this humbling experience.”
Originally from Boca Raton, FL, Avedyan previously served at St. David Armenian Church. He studied classical voice and opera at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia. Over the years, his love for liturgical music drew him closer to the Armenian Church and became an integral part of his service.
Before coming to St. Nersess, he built a career in sales and marketing in the specialty food industry.
