The Diocese
Posted: 05/07/2026
On the afternoon of Thursday, April 30, preceding the 99th Annual Diocesan Assembly of the Western Diocese, the annual Clergy Assembly of the Western Diocese convened at St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church under the presidency of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and with the participation of the Diocesan clergy.
The Assembly opened with Archbishop Derderian's reflections drawing inspiration from the profound spiritual insights found in the introduction to The Pearl of the Kingdom of Heaven by Catholicos Mkrtich I Khrimian. The Primate reflected on the sacred essence of the priestly vocation, emphasizing that true Christian wealth is found not in earthly possessions, but in the spiritual “pearls” of faith, love, humility, patience, and righteousness. He exhorted the clergy to embody these virtues in their personal lives and, through their ministry, to guide the faithful toward spiritual renewal and inner transformation.
The Archbishop further underscored that the mission of the Church in the modern age requires renewed zeal, unity of purpose, and unwavering dedication in order to confront contemporary challenges while preserving the enduring foundations of faith and Armenian Christian identity. He concluded his opening message with a paternal blessing, praying that Almighty God would strengthen and guide the clergy in their sacred calling for the glory of the Holy Church and the edification of the faithful.
As part of the Assembly agenda, Professor Abraham Terian of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary delivered a compelling lecture on the essential role of preaching in the life of the Church. Emphasizing that preaching is not merely instructional speech but a living testimony of faith, Professor Terian drew from the rich treasury of Armenian spiritual literature, patristic writings, and medieval sources while also offering comparative reflections on preaching traditions across various Christian churches. He particularly stressed the importance of remaining faithful to ecclesiastical tradition while addressing the spiritual realities and needs of contemporary society in a manner that is living, accessible, and transformative. His thoughtful presentation was warmly received and highly appreciated by both His Eminence and the attending clergy.
The Assembly continued with collaborative workshops led by Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, during which clergy engaged in group discussions centered on the spiritual and practical dimensions of preaching and evangelism. Inspired by the Lord’s Great Commission — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19) — participants reflected upon the foundations of pastoral ministry rooted in Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teachings of the Church Fathers. Clergy also shared pastoral experiences from parish, educational, and community life while exploring practical approaches to strengthening evangelistic outreach and addressing the pastoral challenges of the present day. The workshops fostered a spirit of mutual encouragement, collaboration, and renewed commitment to pastoral service throughout the Diocese.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed profound appreciation for the devoted and selfless ministry of the clergy of the Western Diocese. Reflecting upon sacred passages from the 1807 Constantinople edition of the Great Mashdots, His Eminence reminded the clergy that the priesthood is not merely an office, but an “angelic order” through which the priest participates in the divine work and continues Christ’s sacred mission upon the earth. Citing the words of the Lord — “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also” (John 14:12) — the Archbishop emphasized the sacred responsibility entrusted to every clergyman: to shepherd the faithful with humility and purity, to sow the seeds of faith, and to proclaim the Gospel through the witness of a Christ-centered life.
His Eminence further noted that gatherings of this nature must be viewed not solely as administrative meetings, but above all as opportunities for prayer, spiritual renewal, and fraternity, through which clergy strengthen one another and reaffirm the sacred consciousness of their vocation. He concluded by calling upon all to continue serving the faithful with compassion, humility, and love, while seeking continual spiritual renewal through the eternal teachings of the Gospel.
At the conclusion of the Assembly, Archbishop Derderian also addressed several administrative matters pertaining to the ongoing collaboration and mission shared between the Diocesan Headquarters and the parishes of the Western Diocese.
The Annual Clergy Assembly concluded in an atmosphere of spiritual renewal, unity, and shared dedication, reaffirming the high calling of the clergy in service to the Holy Church and the faithful Armenian people.
Chancellery of the Western Diocese
May 7, 2026
