His Excellency Nerses M. Setian Dies
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His Excellency Msgr. Nerses Michael Setian, past away Sunday September 8 at
8:30 p.m. after receiving the holy sacrament of the sick.
The Most Reverend Nerses M. Setian was born in October 1918, in the town of
Zara Sebastia, and was the third child in a family of six brothers and two
sisters.
He entered the Levonian Armenian Pontifical Seminary at seventeen, then
studied philosophy, theology and canon law at the Gregorian University of Rome
where he received a degree in theology and his Ph.D. in Canon Law.
Reverend Setian was ordained to the priesthood on April 13, 1941.
In 1946, Reverend Setian became the pastor of the Cathedral Parish of
Istanbul
where he was also in charge of Archdiocese Archives, and served on the
Diocesan
Church Tribunal.
His thorough knowledge of Armenian history and literature enabled him to
teach
in Colleges throughout the world. He also taught philosophy and experimental
psychology to several generations of young Armenians in Istanbul. Rev. Setian
succeeded in instilling in them the love of God and a proud awareness of their
national identity and cultural heritage.
His Eminence, Gregory Peter XV Cardinal Aghagianian, aware of Rev. Setian's
multifaceted capabilities, called on him in 1960 to serve as the Rector of the
Armenian Levonian Pontifical Seminary in Rome. He was still in this post when
nominated for Apostolic Exarch to Armenians in the United States and Canada.
Bishop Setian has published many magazine articles, edited and compiled the
letters of Cardinal Agagianian, published the Soorp Hagop (St. James) monthly
in Istanbul and Romglah quarterly in Rome. In 1959, he released the Memoir of
Levonian College. A Handbook of Armenian Patrology, the result of many
years of
research.
On July 17, 1981 Reverend Setian was appointed Apostolic Exarch for the
Armenian of the United States and Canada.
After 14 years of services to the Armenian Catholic community of America the
most Reverend Nerses Setian moved to Los Angeles, and continued his apostolate
preaching and lecturing.
The Most Reverend Setian has participated in many international Religious
conferences in Italy, Germany, India, Australia and America.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday September 18, 2002 at St. Gregory
Armenian Catholic Church of Glendale.
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