By FLORENCE AVAKIAN
ARMONK, NY – Sevag Boyadjian, 15, and Marina Gejekoushian, 17, two highly gifted students from Jerusalem’s Sts. Tarkmanchatz School, were chosen to participate in this year’s Summer High School Conference at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in Armonk, NY. This unique program, initiated and organized by the Seminary’s Dean, Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, and funded by several generous donors, has been in existence for thirteen years.
This year, the main benefactors of the project were Russell and Susan Kashian (Muskege, WI), with generous support by George and Lorraine Marootian (Franklin Lakes, NJ), Vicken and Rosette Arslanian (Englewood, NJ), Joseph and Kristine Casali (Ramsey, NJ), Steven and Karen Nargizian (Franklin Lakes, NJ),Gregory and Meline Toufayan (Saddle River, NJ), Glen and Kristin Dabaghian (Ramsey, NJ), Keith and Karyn Bilezerian (Wrentham MA), Jonathan and Therese Najarian (Hillsdale, NJ), and Paul Derderian (Rye, NY).
Both students are proud Armenians who “love our history, our people, and our friends who are mostly Armenian”. They attribute these feelings to their families, and to Sts. Tarkmanchatz School which has taught them “our language, culture and history, as well as how to be a good Armenian.” The school that includes kindergarten to the 12th grade, has been applauded for its very highly rated academic standards.
The school has approximately 150 students, the vast majority of which are Armenian. The few non-Armenian students are enrolled because of the school’s reputation in the community of having a safe environment and a high level of education.
Its principal for the past eleven years has been the much-loved Very Rev. Fr. Norayr Kazazian. “He is very caring, funny and knows how to take care of the school,” says Marina, adding that he fixed the walls, had the new classrooms painted, and hired new highly experienced teachers, including Arabs and Jews, though most of the teachers are Armenian.
Sts. Tarkmanchatz “is our second home,” Sevag chimes in, “and there is no bullying. Bullies are severely dealt with.” 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 Sevag who at six feet, two inches tall, is a proficient basketball player.
Sevag 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 famed Sts. 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, Sevag points out.
For Marina, 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. Marina 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. Sevag, whose father is a bus driver in Jerusalem, also plays the guitar, and Marina, the viola. Marina’s father is a musician, playing multiple instruments, and performing in a Christian band. Her family’s business is in ceramics and pottery.
PROUD TO BE ARMENIAN
“Being Armenian is special. Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity,” Sevag 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,” Marina adds enthusiastically. “Our culture, language and history are rich and beautiful, and very unique.”
Both students have been to Armenia. Sevag who has visited twice was twelve years old when he first went. ”I saw all the churches in Armenia. Many looked the same, but Tatev and Etchmiadzin were so peaceful. You felt like you were in heaven. Armenia is my country,” he comments thoughtfully.
Marina who visited Armenia two years ago, brought holy water from Sts. James Cathedral for the visit of Pope, saying to him, “I’m from Jerusalem.” Her favorite church in Armenia is Oshagan. “When I left Armenia, I felt like I was leaving my home. I want to return very soon.”
While at St. Nersess, Marina and Sevag had the opportunity to visit St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and the Diocesan Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. They also took a tour of the popular locations in New York, and did a little shopping.
But it was the ten days at St. Nersess that was indelible in their minds. They especially loved singing the Armenian songs which they knew well with the other students. Marina whose sister Sarin was a recent recipient of the Sts. Tarkmanchatz trip to St. Nersess said that Sarin when she attended the extraordinary program ”fell in love” with all her compatriots.
“Everyone was like one big family”, both students said with emphasis. Friendships were made for a lifetime. For both students who learned many new things, both spiritually and for every-day life, it was a unique and deeply rewarding experience that will last a lifetime.
