The Diocese
Posted: 10/07/2026
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America hosted a literary evening on Monday, October 5, 2026, celebrating the extensive literary and theological contributions of Deacon Gevork Gevorkian, the Deacon-in-Charge of St. Garabed Armenian Church of Rancho Mirage. Held in the Hampar Room at the Diocesan headquarters, the gathering served as a prelude to the annual clergy conference convened the following day.
With more than 35 books to his name, Deacon Gevorkian has devoted decades to theological research and writing, addressing a broad range of social, moral, religious, and spiritual issues while contributing to the literary heritage of the Armenian Church.
The evening was emceed by Western Diocese Communications Director Sergey Arustamyan and opened with a prayer by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate.
Norayr Poghosyan, who has served as editor for several of Deacon Gevorkian’s publications, reflected on the author's ability to communicate profound theological and spiritual ideas in language that is clear, accessible, and natural. He noted Deacon Gevorkian's particular gift for making his message understandable and meaningful to the faithful.
The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian spoke of Deacon Gevorkian's contribution to the discussion of ethical, moral, and social issues confronting the Armenian Church and the faithful in contemporary society.
The literary program was complemented by a rich musical presentation. Ruzan and Hasmik Gevorkian, the author's wife and daughter, performed a piano duet of the celebrated waltz from Aram Khachaturian's Masquerade. Deacon Gevorkian's son, Deacon David Gevorkian, beautifully performed Komitas Vartabed's Havoon, Havoon on the duduk, the traditional Armenian woodwind instrument.
Under the direction of Maestro Raffi Mikaelian, the Shnorhali Choir of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral performed Der Voghormia, arranged by choir member Yura Yesayan, followed by Maestro Khoren Mekhanejian's composition Soorb, Soorb.
On behalf of the Parish Council, Ladies Society, and auxiliary organizations of St. Garabed Armenian Church, Mr. Vartan Nazerian conveyed words of appreciation and gratitude to Deacon Gevorkian for his service and literary contributions.
Invited to address the gathering, Deacon Gevorkian expressed his gratitude to Christ, to whom he attributed all praise and glory, before introducing his body of work. He emphasized the importance of educating the faithful about the rich religious and spiritual heritage handed down by the fathers of the Armenian Church and, equally, of understanding how their teachings and contributions can be meaningfully applied in today's world.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Derderian commended Deacon Gevorkian's “zealous Christian spirit” and his dedication to researching, educating, and contributing to the literary legacy of the Armenian Church. The Primate described the author's books as a source of spiritual nourishment for the faithful and praised his tireless efforts to bring the “spiritual jewels” of the Church's heritage to a contemporary readership.
Archbishop Derderian wished Deacon Gevorkian continued success in his literary journey, expressing appreciation for his commitment to enriching the life of the Armenian Church through scholarship, faith, and the written word.
Guests received complimentary copies of the author’s works as the evening concluded with a reception in the Paul Brothers Galleria. The event brought a renewed appreciation for the enduring value of Armenian Christian scholarship and the responsibility of preserving and transmitting the spiritual treasures of the Church to future generations.
