Diocesan Primate Presides Over Last Clergy Conference Of The Year

The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America convened its Clergy General Assembly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate. The annual gathering brought together the Diocese’s clergy for prayer, fellowship, and discussion of pastoral and diocesan priorities.

The day began with prayer at St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral, followed by a requiem service honoring the memory of the late diocesan primates, archimandrites, and priests who served the Western Diocese. Archbishop Derderian expressed gratitude for their legacy, emphasizing that their spiritual and pastoral service continues to shape the life of the Diocese.

In his opening message, the Primate reflected on Christ’s words in the Gospel of St. Luke: “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), presenting the passage as a call to constant spiritual and pastoral readiness.

“It is not enough to be called. We must be prepared to fully respond to that calling,” Archbishop Derderian emphasized, encouraging clergy to pursue continual spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and organizational growth. He urged them to regularly evaluate their preaching, pastoral care, parish engagement, Christian education, leadership development, and efforts to strengthen parish life.

The Primate also underscored the importance of cooperation between the Diocese and its parishes. “The Diocese can create the means. The parish must bring them to life,” he said, stressing that diocesan resources and programs are most effective when embraced and implemented at the parish level.

Archbishop Derderian then presented his report on recent diocesan activities and forthcoming initiatives. Discussions included pastoral ministry, construction projects, the preparation of future clergy through St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary, evangelization, Christian education, Armenian-language instruction, youth ministry, humanitarian programs, and diocesan guidelines.

Significant attention was devoted to preparations for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese in 1927. Clergy reviewed plans for the Centennial year, which will commemorate a century of faith and service while providing an opportunity to renew the Diocese’s commitment to its future mission. A detailed report on the planned events and activities for the Centennary celebration was presented by the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Director of the E-postle mission. 

The assembly also addressed theological and pastoral concerns. A working group led by the Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan examined the relationship between the Divine Liturgy and evangelization, followed by an exchange of pastoral experiences among the clergy. Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian presented findings from a diocesan-wide survey and discussed priorities for long-term planning. Reports also covered Christian education, teacher development, youth ministry, and efforts to deepen young people's participation in parish life.

The gathering included moments of appreciation and fellowship. Archbishop Derderian recognized Deacon Stepan Hovagimian for his longstanding volunteer service to the residents of Ararat Home. The clergy also congratulated the Primate on the 36th anniversary of his episcopal ordination and celebrated the birthday of the Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Dz. V. Zumrookhdian, pastor of St. Geragos Armenian Church of Las Vegas.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Derderian thanked the clergy for their participation and contributions, urging them to continue their pastoral, educational, and spiritual ministries with unity and renewed dedication. As the Western Diocese approaches its Centennial, he called for a renewed commitment to the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church and to the spiritual and communal well-being of the Armenian people.