The Diocese
Posted: 10/15/2026
On September 23, 2026, a meeting was held at the Western Diocese headquarters, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, with the principals and representatives of four Armenian day schools in Los Angeles: Hovsepian, Manoogian-Demirdjian, Merdinian, and Sahag-Mesrob.
Discussions focused on student learning, Armenian studies and religious education, clergy visits to schools, cooperation between the schools and the Diocesan headquarters, and opportunities for students to visit the Diocese.
His Eminence outlined several proposals to strengthen and better coordinate collaboration, including regular clergy visits to schools, the establishment of annual and monthly educational themes, and the formation of an Educational Council.
The participants also discussed the schools’ involvement in events planned for 2027, marking the centennial of the Western Diocese. The principals, in turn, presented recommendations addressing students’ educational and developmental needs, with particular emphasis on preparing them for subsequent stages of their academic journeys.
Following the meeting, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School principal Mr. David Ghoogasian expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Eminence for convening the gathering and for his continued support. He also extended special thanks to the Western Diocese for donating two copies of each book published by the Diocese to the school library, noting that the collection would be a valuable addition to its holdings.
David Ghookasian further emphasized the importance of ensuring that all children and young people have access to continuous, high-quality Armenian-American education.
The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Western Diocese and Armenian day schools to advance Armenian education and preserve the community’s linguistic, cultural, and Christian heritage.
