The 2025 St. Nersess Deacons’ Training Program was held in the Western Diocese from August 10 - 14 under the auspices of the Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. For the fifth consecutive year, the Western Diocese hosted the program at Hye Camp in Dunlap, CA. The DTP was organized and directed by Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian. This year, we were blessed with 12 participants from parishes across the Diocese.

The focus of the program was to teach deacons and altar servers the chants of the Holy Badarak, the Sunrise and Rest Hours, the liturgical use of the censer, and the theological and biblical meaning of the deacon’s role. Each day began with the prayer services of Morning and Sunrise Hours, led by the clergy with the assistance of the deacons.

A highlight of this year’s program was the musical instruction offered by Isabel Bayrakdarian, the renowned operatic soprano, a Professor of Voice, Director of Opera Theatre, and Head of Voice Area in the Music Department for the University of California Santa Barbara. Dr. Bayrakdarian prepared and presented a special workshop titled “How to Sing in the Church.” She taught vocal warm-ups, explained correct posture, described how the vocal cords function, and demonstrated proper breathing techniques for singing in worship.

Liturgical training was conducted by Fr. Gomidas, Fr. Zaven, and Dn. Hagop. Participants learned the proper use of the poorvar (censer) and kshots (fans), and practiced liturgical movements with correct timing and reverence, while reflecting on their theological significance. Bible studies were led by Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Diocesan Librarian and Ecumenical Officer, whose classes included “Introduction to Biblical Interpretation” and “The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant.” In addition, Fr. Zaven delivered a lecture on the vital role of acolytes in the life of the Church, and Mrs. Kaghtsrik Madoyan offered Armenian language lessons to the younger participants.

On Wednesday morning, the Holy Badarak was celebrated by Fr. Gomidas, with all participants serving in different roles. The choir, beautifully directed by Isabel Bayrakdarian, sang harmoniously even without an organist. Afterwards, Mrs. Anahit reflected, “This year’s Badarak was unlike any other, it was truly uplifting and spiritually moving.”

During free time, participants enjoyed fellowship with clergy and instructors, asking questions, sharing experiences, and building lasting friendships. Evenings were filled with cultural activities, including singing and playing traditional Armenian songs.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who made this year’s program a success: Fr. Zaven Markosyan, Dn. Hagop Iskenyan, Mrs. Isabel Bayrakdarian, Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Dn. Mesrop Madoyan, Nazareth Iskenyan, Anton Zohrabian, Ari Karajian, Ohannes, Shant and Haik Bayrakdarian, Arthur and Arman Martirosyan, Hovhanes Gyozalyan, Roland Shahbazyan, and Sarkis Grigoryan. A special thank you also goes to our kitchen volunteers, Mrs. Anahit Garabed and Mrs. Kaghtsrik Madoyan, for their dedicated and loving service.