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On May 1, 2025, the day preceding the 98th Annual Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the Clergy Conference of the Western Diocese was convened under the presidency of the Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert.
The opening prayer, led by the Primate, included the reading of the “Hogvots” (Prayers for the Departed) in remembrance of the late spiritual leaders and clergy of the Western Diocese.
His Eminence then centered his reflection on the following passage from the Gospel reading for New Sunday (the Sunday after Easter):
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” (John 1:5)
The Primate stated that “as clergy, the life of John the Baptist compels us to reflect on our own priestly vocation, and that as the chosen of God, we, too, are called to bear witness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout our life of service.”
He added that the priestly calling and vow oblige us to take on the sweet yoke of service to the Church and to make Christ the center of our spiritual and intellectual life.
Speaking about priestly ordination and anointing, the Primate emphasized that clergy have a fundamental calling: to bear witness to Christ by leading the faithful in a life of prayer. He urged all clergy, amid their daily responsibilities and numerous duties, to make the preaching of God’s Word their foremost mission—enlightening the souls of the faithful with the message that radiates from the Gospel.
“Our prayer gathering aims to maintain wakefulness and vigilance in our spiritual life. We are all servants of Christ’s Church, and without a doubt, our life of service must become a testimony to Christ Himself,” emphasized the Primate. He urged his brothers in Christ to heed God’s call and teachings, to be strengthened by His wisdom, and to faithfully and devotedly fulfill the divine mission entrusted to the clergy —for the glory of the Almighty God.
The Primate further stated, “Our vocation is to serve God and our faithful people with love and humility, as the best path to a meaningful life.” He highlighted that “the main purpose of praying together is to strengthen one another, to listen to one another, and to remain firm on the path that leads to God.”
He expressed his wish that the Clergy Conference “be another occasion for us to feel as if we are in the Upper Room, waiting expectantly for the Holy Spirit to illuminate our entire being with divine gifts, so that, through the wisdom of faith, we may undertake self-examination and make a renewed promise toward service. We will return to the field spiritually strengthened and commit ourselves to preaching the Word of God to our faithful people, as revealed in the life of Christ,” stated His Eminence.
Later, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, and with the participation of Rev. Fr. Vazken Boyajyan and Deacon Gevork Gevorkian, presentations and open discussions were held on the following topics:
In his closing remarks, the Primate reflected on the success of the open discussions organized by the Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian. Archbishop Derderian and wished everyone prosperous pastoral service inspired by the discussions.
Diocesan Chancery
May 6, 2025
