Western Diocese

On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 9:30 a.m., the Primate presided over the Clergy Meeting that was held in the Armen and Gloria Hampar Room  at  the Diocesan Headquarters.

The Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, delivered opening remarks, in which he said: “The depiction of light against darkness is the most favorite image of John the Evangelist. The image is very deep. Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites us to leave the darkness of the world. It’s the most familiar theme from the Gospel of John, where Jesus declares himself: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12).”

There were 25 participants at the meeting. The clergy from the Diocese were joined by the priesthood candidate deacons at this executive level meeting. In his detailed report the Primate touched on the following issues: the 2008-Calendar, parishes and pastors, new perspectives, St. Nerses Sanctuary, the Third Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, publications, priesthood candidates, Mother Cathedral Grand Sacristan, Parishes of the Mother Cathedral, Diocesan auxiliary bodies, annual assembly of Youth Organizations, pilgrimages, Sunday schools, Saturday schools and Bible studies. The Primate briefly discussed the activities of the past period. He gladly announced to the participants that His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, was pleased with the pace and scope of the developments at the Western Diocese. The primate also informed the participants about the ordination and consecration of Deacons Vahe and Mais to the priesthood in the coming year.

Rev. Fathers Shnork Demirjian and Sarkis  Petoian conducted the meeting. There were also discussions and exchange of ideas around problems and issues of the Western Diocese. The Primate expressed his gratitude to the Diocesan clergy and their dedication in serving the parishes of the Western Diocese and requested them to continue to serve the mission with an unwavering faith.