Western Diocese

Vagharshapat, Armenia - Today, marked the beginning of the historic first Pan Armenian Church Youth Organization Delegates Assembly held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and organized by the Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian. With delegates assembled from over 35 Armenian Church Dioceses throughout the world, this truly remarkable event has provided a venue for the faithful youth of the Armenian Church to unite in one voice, in praise of God, and in service to Christ's Church.

The first day's sessions provided an excellent opportunity for the delegates to meet and acquaint themselves with their brother's and sisters from the motherland of Armenia and other diasporan communities. They also had the opportunity to breakout into workgroups and brainstorm regarding the meeting's agenda items.

The Western Diocese is blessed to have 7 representatives participating in the delegates meeting, several of whom are participating in the on going Christian Youth Mission to Armenia pilgrimage, led by Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Dn. Mkrtich Ksachikyan, and Sarah Merganian. The Western Diocese Delegates include Mark Oganessian, Lilit Berberyan, Kevin Yahnian, Tamara Karakashian, and Hovig Artinian, as well as Fr. Vartan and Dn. Mkrtich.

As the 3 day meeting progresses, more information will be forthcoming.