The 2024 St. Nersess Deacons’ Training Program was held in the Western Diocese from August 11-17 under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. 
 
The Western Diocese welcomed the St. Nersess Deacons’ Training Program at Hye Camp in Dunlap, CA, for the fourth consecutive year. The program was once again organized by the parish priest of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Fowler, CA, Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian. The program was blessed to have four priests, two deacons, one stole bearer, and four acolytes this year from churches across the Western Diocese. The aim for this year was to teach the participants all the deacon chants of the Holy Badarak, the Peace and Rest hours, the liturgical movements with the censer, and the theological and biblical significance of the deacon’s position. Each morning started with an alternating prayer service, from the night, morning, and sunrise hours, with the assistance of the V. Rev. Fr. Anania, Vicar of Central Valley, CA. Musical instruction was given by Fr. Gomidas and V. Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, the Diocesan Instructor of Sacred Music from the Eastern Diocese, who taught the participants virtually.

Liturgical training was provided by Fr. Gomidas, where the participants had the opportunity to use the censer and perform the motions with correct timing and technique, while learning the theological significance of each action. Bible studies were held by Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan. In the program lectures were taught by: Fr. Gomidas, who spoke about “The Origins of Diaconate”, Fr. Zaven Markosyan, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita, who spoke about “Service and Ministry”, Fr. Mardiros, who spoke about what a deacon is according to the Bible and how to apply Christ’s teachings in our lives. Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Diocesan Librarian and Ecumenical Officer, gave two lectures on “Love and Service” and “The Presence of the Holy Spirit in our life” - (Responding to the Lord’s calling). There was as much education from the classes as there was from conversations between the Directors and participants. During free time, participants socialized with the priests and deacons, learning from their experiences, and used this opportunity to ask them questions. On Thursday, Der Gomidas taught them how to make Nushkhar.

On Friday morning, Holy Badarak was celebrated by Fr. Gomidas, and everyone participated in different assignments. In the evenings, after evening snacks, we had cultural activities playing and singing Armenian songs. 

We extend our wholehearted and sincerest gratitude to all the clergy and participants: Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, Rev. Fr. Zaven Marakosyan, Very Rev. Fr. Anania Tsaturyan, Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Dn. Arees Setrak, Dn. Karo Boyadzhyan, John Nenedzhyan, Anton Zohrabyan, Mesrop Madoyan, Emin Matevosyan, and Shant and Haik Bayrakdarian.

In addition, thank you to our kitchen volunteers: Anahit Garabed, Sosik Parseghian, and Kaghtsrik Madoyan.