With the participation of Diocesan clergy from various regions of the Western Diocese, the first clergy conference of the year was convened at the Diocesan Headquarters on the morning of Tuesday, February 10, under the presidency of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The conference was held in an atmosphere of brotherly love, prayerful reflection, and a shared sense of pastoral responsibility.

The meeting opened with a unified prayer. Thereafter, presided over by His Eminence, a Requiem Service was offered for the souls of the departed former Primates of the Diocese and clergy who entered their eternal rest. A special observance was also held in commemoration of the Feasts of Saints Ghevontiants and Vartanants.

His Eminence welcomed the clergy, emphasizing that the first conference of the year, traditionally held on the occasion of the Feast of St. Ghevont the Priest and his companions is not merely administrative or organizational in nature, but above all, a blessed opportunity for the renewal of spiritual life and recommitment to service. On the occasion of the Feast, he conveyed his heartfelt appreciation and blessings to the devout clergy of the Western Diocese, who have vowed to preach the love of Christ, defend the holy faith, and serve God’s people with steadfastness.

In his opening address, His Eminence reflected upon the apostolic nature of pastoral ministry, the solemn responsibility of the priestly calling, and the urgent need for Christ-centered service in the face of contemporary challenges. He underscored the importance of unified and purposeful ministry, mutual support among the clergy, and the cultivation of a disciplined and vibrant spiritual life.

Drawing from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, His Eminence also offered a thoughtful reflection dedicated to the Feast of the Ghevontian priests. He spoke of God’s abundant mercy, through which new life is granted to humanity in Christ. Recalling the Apostle’s exhortation to “take up the shield of faith” and to walk in the way of love, he urged that all ministry become a living witness to the Gospel. The martyrdom of the Holy Ghevontian priests was presented as a radiant example of courageous faith and self-offering, an enduring inspiration for all who labor in sacred service.

Among the items discussed were proposals from the clergy to the upcoming Assembly of Bishops, including recommendations from the Primate formulated on the basis of deliberations held during the previous Clergy Assembly (January 15) and Clergy Executive Council meetings (January 27 and February 3). The declaration and publication of the Diocesan Council were also presented.

His Eminence delivered a comprehensive report addressing various aspects of diocesan life and ministry. He reviewed the activities of diocesan and administrative bodies, the Diocesan Assembly, educational institutions including Saturday and Sunday Schools, youth organizations (AYCO–CYMA), Deacons’ training programs, Ladies’ Societies, Choirs, and the “Nerouj” initiatives and programs.

The report further addressed the formation of Priesthood candidates, the mission of St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary, the growth of Mission Parishes, stewardship initiatives, the diocesan summer camp, Hovsepian School, innovation programs, lecture series, and the parishioner guide handbook. Plans for the Diocese’s upcoming Centennial celebrations and the “Reclaim” ministry were also presented, along with special programs dedicated to the ministry of preaching.

The assembly also considered matters of ecclesiastical discipline, with careful attention to the preservation of proper church order within the Diocese. The clergy presented their parish reports, illuminating the pastoral life of their communities, their achievements, challenges, and future plans. The discussions proceeded in a constructive and fraternal spirit.

Thirty-five clergy members participated in the assembly. Approximately ten clergy were unable to attend due to health or other unavoidable reasons.

Following the assembly, at 6:00 p.m., on the occasion of the Feast of Ghevontiants, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Ghevontiants Cathedral. Presided over by the Diocesan Primate and with the participation of the clergy, the celebrant was the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian. At the conclusion of the service, prayers for Pontifical Service were offered.