Passport name: Artyom Galstyan

Born on March 31, 1980 in Gyumri.

Studied in secondary school № 4 and simultaneously in music school № 5 in Gyumri. Afterwards continued his studies in the College of Fine Arts of Gyumri, on completion of which was called up for military service.

In 2000 entered Nersisian Theological Seminary in Gyumri.

In 2002 left for the Ukraine for getting higher spiritual education. Studied at the faculty of philosophy of the Catholic University of Lvov, from which graduated in 2005.

The same year moved to Poland, where studied in John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.

In 2009 defended his thesis with honors on the topic “Synod of the Armenian Catholic Bishops of 1911” and received Master’s Degree in Theology and Canon Law.

Was ordained as deacon by H.E. Nshan Archbishop Garakeheyan in 2008 in Lublin.

Was ordained as archimandrite by H.E. Nshan Archbishop Garakeheyan, thus becoming the first ordained celibate priest in Armenia since post-Soviet period. (2009, church of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Arevik).

In 2009-2010 Rev. Fr. Nerses Galstyan guided the Armenian Catholic community of Gyumri, simultaneously carrying on his pastoral service in neighboring villages.

In 2010 moved to Tbilisi, where was holding the position of Vicar of the local community parish priest during the year.

In 2011 was appointed as spiritual mentor of Nersisian Theological Seminary in Yerevan, where served for one year.

In 2012 was appointed as pastor of Armenian Catholic communities of Tashir district in Lori region, where is serving at present.

In 2014 due to his efforts the renovation work and reconstruction of the church of St. John in Metsavan, as well as construction of the church of St. Cross in Norashen were completed. Due to his permanent residence in Tashir, spiritual life of Tashir region was resumed.

In 2020-2022 received Master’s Degree in Jurisprudence and Forensic Science through distance learning courses at Yerevan Institute of Forensic Science and Psychology.

On December 19, 2024 by 154/А Decree of H.E. Kevork Archbishop Noradounguian, Rev. Fr. Nerses Galstyan was appointed as Dean of Armenian Catholic Church in Armenia.