“It was like a small miracle,” reflected Hayk Madoyan about the atmosphere created by the 6th Annual Reclaim Conference which took at the Western Diocese headquarters last weekend. Indeed, the miracle of young people coming together, to discuss matters of faith, the lives, sexuality, dating, sexuality, single lifestyles, and dimensions of marriage, was something that did not go unnoticed by many who were in attendance. There was a vibrant energy in the air as lectures led to candid and open discussions about all things family. 

The Conference is a call by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and its Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, to “reclaim” the treasures of our faith. This year, 2022, was proclaimed as the Year of the Armenian Christian Family by Abp. Hovnan and as such a broad section of the community gathered to discuss matters pertaining to the Armenian Christian Family. This was the first post-pandemic conference to take place in person, but still, a group of participants joined online giving an opportunity for international participation. The ages of participants varied, but the target audience, ages 20-35, was well represented by being the majority in attendance.

The conference was called to order by Dn. Dikran Harutyunian, the chairman of the WD Deacon’s Council. Following Abp. Hovnan’s opening prayer for spiritual growth, Fr. Vazken Movsesian, organizer of the Reclaim Conferences reflected on the progress and growth of Reclaim through the years. By retelling the story of Jesus in the Temple, from Luke 2, and how Joseph and Mary returned to Jerusalem to “reclaim” Jesus, he invited attendees to do the same with their faith, which may not be lost, but is ready to be reclaimed.

RECLAIM 2022 - Family is a Luxury 
Contemporary Reflections/Unspoken Pandemic
Ani Shahinian
St. Leon Ghevondiants Cathedral

RECLAIM 2022 - Keeping Family Healthy in an Unhealthy World
Kristen Morefield
St. Leon Ghevondiants Cathedral

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RECLAIM 2022 - Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
Hayk Madoyan
St. Leon Ghevondiants Cathedral

The day included presentations and panel discussions from a large cross-section of the community. The speakers were Hayk Madoyan, "Sacrament of Holy Matrimony," Kristen Morefield, "Keeping Family Healthy in an Unhealthy World," Ani Shahinian, "Family is a luxury: Contemporary reflections/unspoken pandemic" and Judge Sharon Kalemkiarian, "When families Don't Work: Separation, Divorce & Reconciliation." Each of the presentations was followed by questions and answers by the audience.

Lunch was prepared and provided lovingly according to Lenten standards by the Circle of Faith Bible Study Group, who were among the sponsors of the Conference.

The afternoon sessions included three-panel discussions on dating and marriage, family life, and lifetime experiences, considering the Armenian Church is with the individual from “cradle to grave.” The panelists were Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Parish Priest of St. Gregory Armenian Church, Victoria Amran, Marianna Muradyan, Lusine Takmizian, Delilah Shahbazian, Dr. Chris Atamian, Haikuhi Kavoukjian, Karoline and Alina Samuelian, and Diran Avagyan. With their comments, a healthy and meaningful conversation took place.

His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate was very pleased with the large number of young people who were engaged in the vibrant dialogue about matters of faith and identity. After attending the entire conference, he shared his joy at the way such matters were being shared openly and candidly in the church. He shared his observations and reflections and offered his blessings upon the group. The reclaim organizing committee is made up of Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Fr. Gevork Abyan, Lusine Amiryan, Alice Atamian, Dr. Chris Atamian, Anna Boghosian, Dn. Aram Dakessian, Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian, Tedrik Hayrapetian, Dn. Nareg Kasian, Haikouhi Heidi Kavoukjian, Ani Shahinian, Denita Shino and Lusine Takmizyan.

The Reclaim Conference takes place annually during Lent on the weekend of “The Steward.” Next Year’s Reclaim Conference is scheduled for March 11, 2023, mark your calendars.