In Touch – Graduation Special 2025 | European Nazarene College

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Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Graduates of European Nazarene College!

Called to Grow, Sent to Serve
A Minute from the Rector

Each year, graduation reminds us why we exist as a College: to equip Christlike disciples for ministry across cultures, languages, and contexts. This year, twelve graduates from five Learning Centres mark a new chapter in that calling—a testimony not only to their perseverance, but to the transforming power of God’s grace in theological education.

From Madrid to Sevan, from Cape Verde to Bavaria, we have witnessed students serve faithfully in the midst of life’s demands. Some have studied while raising families, planting churches, or leading worship. Others have walked a long road from first calling to pastoral appointment. And some—like those from The Salvation Army—have completed their training and are now serving as officers in new fields of ministry. These are not just academic milestones—they are moments of formation, of readiness, of joyful surrender to God's purpose.

This year’s graduating class also joins the 60-year legacy of European Nazarene College, becoming part of a wider story of grace-filled leadership and faithful service. For six decades, EuNC has existed to nurture leaders who serve the Church with wisdom, humility, and courage. Today’s graduates are the newest chapter in that living story.

As part of our Growing Together vision, we have emphasized Growing in Service this year. These graduates embody that theme—not only by what they have learned, but by how they now live out that learning. They are the fruit of a College committed to offering both rigorous training and spiritual formation, shaped by a deep trust in God’s mission of grace.

I am deeply thankful to every Learning Centre, coordinator, administrator, faculty member, church and family who has stood behind these students. Your partnership in their journey is also a ministry—a quiet, steady witness that service in Christ’s Kingdom is a shared calling.

To our graduates: You carry with you not only a credential but a calling. Wherever you go—whether ordained, appointed, or still discerning—go as those formed by truth, empowered by grace, and committed to service. We celebrate you. We pray for you. And we walk with you.

With joy and gratitude,
Mária Gusztinné Tulipán
Rector, European Nazarene College

"These are not just academic milestones
—they are moments of formation, of readiness, of joyful surrender to God's purpose."
- Mária Gusztinné Tulipán

EuNC had 12 graduates in the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

The graduates are associated with the following Learning Centres:

1 student from the EuNC Croatia Learning Centre .
1 student from the EuNC Portugal Learning Centre .
1 student from the EuNC Germany Learning Centre .
6 students from the EuNC Spain Learning Centre .
3 students from the EuNC Armenia Learning Centre.

4 graduates earned a Diploma in Christian Ministry (DCM),
1 receiving Magna Cum Laude honours.
8 graduates earned a Certificate in Spiritual Formation (CSF)
and 6 will continue with the DCM programme.

Lena Afessa, originally from Syria and now serving as an English teacher and pastor in Warsaw, Poland, celebrated her graduation from the Certificate in Spiritual Formation (CSF) at EuNC. Passionate about women’s ministry and with a heart for evangelism, Lena shared, "Women are the axis of life—they are wives, sisters, and mothers, shaping lives around them, especially as moms.”

Having raised two sons who are now pastors themselves, Lena decided it was time to pursue theological studies. She is now continuing in the Diploma in Christian Ministry (DCM) programme, with a dream of becoming a pastoral counselor and missionary.

Former Croatia LC Administrator Rev. Cezarina Glendenning (shares about Lena’s journey, “We are deeply thankful for Lena’s life and the way she beautifully witnesses to the love and compassion of Christ in Poland. Her dedication to studying and learning has never been just about gaining knowledge, but about personal transformation and bringing that same transformation to those around her. Lena’s joyful spirit and bold faith continue to inspire and bless everyone she encounters.”

Lena is deeply grateful to those providing encouragement during moments of discouragement. “Thanks to their encouragement, I am now preparing for graduation in the DCM programme.

She holds close to God's promise in Exodus 33:14, praying each year: “Let your Presence go with me, oh God!”

In a heartfelt online gathering, the European EuNC Portugal Learning Centre celebrated the graduation of Nilton Monteiro on 26 October 2024, bringing together participants from Portugal, Cape Verde, Italy, and Hungary. The ceremony, held via Zoom, featured the Rector Rev. Mária Gusztinné Tulipán, the EuNC Portugal Learning Centre Coordinator Rev. Matteo Ricciardi, the former District Superintendent, faculty members, the student representative, and family members of the graduate.

The liturgy included a hymn of thanksgiving, Scripture reading, a pastoral message from our Rector on 1 Peter 4:10-11, and a personal testimony from Nilton, who shared his journey from the city of Praia (Cape Verde) to serving in church planting and pastoral ministry.

The highlight came with the conferral of the Diploma in Christian Ministry, affirming Nilton’s readiness for service in the local church and beyond. The Rector officially welcomed him into the EuNC Alumni community, encouraging a lifelong commitment to learning and ministry.

The ceremony was a powerful reminder that theological education transcends borders. It celebrated not just academic achievement, but a calling to steward God’s grace with faithfulness, serve in His strength, and glorify Christ in all things. A memorable day for the EuNC Portugal learning community.

- Rev. Dr. Matteo Ricciardi, EuNC Portugal Learning Centre Coordinator

The EuNC Germany Learning Centre celebrates the achievement of Philipp Hutter, who completed his studies in the Diploma in Christian Ministry (DCM) programme on 31 October 2024. Hailing from the Munich area, Philipp is the first Bavarian student in the Germany LC. He will continue his theological journey by pursuing the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology (ADAT) through EuNC.

- Rev. Dr. Wolfgang Köhler (EuNC Germany Learning Centre Coordinator)

On October 19, 2024, the EuNC Spain Learning Centre celebrated a meaningful milestone with the graduation of six students. Four received their Certificate in Spiritual Formation, and two were awarded the Diploma in Christian Ministry. The ceremony marked a significant step in the graduates' formation as ministers in the Church.

This year's class was especially notable as two graduates were from The Salvation Army, a testament to the growing partnership between EuNC and The Salvation Army. Their success highlights the fruit of this collaboration in strengthening ministry across denominational lines. Additionally this graduation also featured the two students who by completing their Diploma became ready to be considered for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.

The event was officiated and the sermon delivered by EuNC Rector Rev. Mária Gusztinné Tulipán. Special guests included Rev. Diego Lopez, District Superintendent for Spain, and Lt. Colonels Rafael and Karina Giusti, Territorial Leaders for The Salvation Army in Spain and Portugal, whose presence underscored the unity and shared mission of Christian leadership development.

The graduation was a joyful celebration of God’s calling and the Church’s commitment to equipping faithful, well-formed ministers for service in Spain and beyond.

Rev. Dr. Fernando Almeida, EuNC Spain Learning Centre Coordinator

The EuNC Armenia Learning Centre celebrated the graduation of three students on March 8. All candidates had been enrolled in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation Program. The graduates all serve local churches, being great examples for EuNC’s mission of “Enabling Christlike Disciples for Ministry”.

Graduate Amenuhi Ananyan has been feeling a call for pastoral ministry and is currently serving in the local church in the city of Sevan. She describes the impact of studying at EuNC on her life and ministry. “Studying at EuNC has great significance for me. At first, education was very difficult — I was balancing work and ministry — but when I saw the materials and the attitude of the professors, I was greatly encouraged. Studying at EuNC brought major changes to my life and significantly uplifted me spiritually. Since pastoral ministry carries great responsibility before God and people, EuNC plays a vital role in the formation and preparation of pastors. It provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to help us follow our calling, bear fruit in God's Kingdom, and spread the Good News among people.”

She will continue her education to become an ordained elder. The EuNC Armenia Learning Centre extends its heartfelt gratitude to the EuNC Leadership Team and Rector Mariá Gusztinné Tulipán for the support they provide to the students of Armenia, as they continue as part of the wider EuNC learning community.

- Rev. Seyran Vardanyan (EuNC Armenia Learning Centre Administrator)

As we journey toward our Growing Together 2030 vision, we are reminded that the seeds of our mission were planted decades ago. In this archival reflection, we revisit Jeanine van Beek’s 1973 Alpine article—written at a time of vision and challenge for the College. She was the Academic Dean of our college at that time. Her words carry a striking resonance with our present-day themes of growth in service, truth, and witness.

“We do not train people only for effectiveness or even only for the Church—but because we believe in God’s mission of grace, which calls people to grow, serve, and be available for His work, wherever that may be.”
- Jeanine van Beek, 1973

These words could have been written today. Jeanine’s understanding of theological education as both deeply spiritual and purposefully outward echoes our current commitment to equipping Christlike disciples for ministry—whether through accredited degrees or local, contextual learning.

As we emphasize Growing in Service (2024–2025) and Growing in Truth (2025–2026), we draw strength from those who helped shape this journey long before us. Jeanine’s writing reminds us that education is not just about information—but about formation, calling, and mission.

“European Nazarene College will become a more significant part
of a growing church in the Kingdom of God in Eurasia,
collaborating with local churches, districts, the region, and other church and ministry entities in fulfilling the mission of God
– making Christlike disciples in the nations.”
"Growing Together" 2020-2030 EuNC Strategy Document

EuNC began a journey that I have continued and cultivated personally: prepare myself to serve the Lord to the best of my abilities.

Vania Scognamiglio Fink, based in Florence, Italy, is a Registered Nurse and an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Born into a second-generation Nazarene family, she first encountered EuNC (then ENBC) as a toddler while her parents were students in Büsingen, Germany. In our In Touch Graduation Special 2025 she looks back at her time at the college.

In 1983, after graduating with a diploma in Architecture in Rome, Italy, at the age of 19 I found myself in a state of confusion, unsure whether to continue my studies at the italian university, continue my studies as a pianist or pursue another path in life. I was also spiritually confused, struggling to find my identity and calling in the church. In the midst of this confusion, I decided to follow my sister’s advice of taking a semester to reflect and deepen my study in God’s Word at ENBC (as it was called EuNC at that time) in Busingen, Germany.

I am a second-generation Nazarene, and by the age of one and a half, I had already spent four years at ENBC with my parents, who were students and later engaged in pastoral ministry in Italy. Returning to those places felt almost like coming home. What started as a semester of reflection at ENBC turned into a year, and then two of a beautiful journey in biblical and theological studies alongside in depth-church music studies…
At EuNC I completed my Diploma in Bible and Church Music.

EuNC played a key role in my life, both as a child and later as an adult. Beyond the academic studies, it was there that I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where I met the man who is now my husband of 38 years, and where I learned to serve, to build deep fellowship with people from different cultures, ages, and languages. It was there that I offered my talents to God and where I sensed God's call to serve Him. Although I didn't yet have a clear understanding of how I could serve the Lord, I knew I wanted to serve Him with all my abilities and my life.

EuNC began a journey that I have continued and cultivated personally: prepare myself to serve the Lord to the best of my abilities. I am forever thankful to EuNC who gave me a safe environment were to reflect on my like, deepen in my faith, study to prepare for christian ministry , learn to be a part of a broader christian family.
Today, I am working as a Registered Nurse in the main hospital in Florence and serve in the Church of the Nazarene in Florence alongside my husband, Rev. Daniel Fink, who is the Pastor of the italian speaking church and the spanish speaking one. Recently, I have been ordained as Elder of the Church of the Nazarene, and I am looking forwards to what the Lord will be calling me next.

Vania Scognamiglio Fink