Western Diocese

With joy we also announce to the faithful that our Primate, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, has assigned Fr. Hovel Ohanian as visiting pastor of the Santa Clarita Armenian Church (Valencia), as well as the Ventura County Armenian Church (Camarillo). was recently ordained at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He is currently serving at the Diocesan Headquarters and continuing his education.

Biography

Fr. Hovel Ohanian (baptismal name Ardak) was born on May 28th, 1978 in Armenia in the city of Ashtarak.

In 1999 he entered the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Kevorkian Seminary and graduated in 2005.

In September of 2004 on the Feast day of St. Stephan he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Yezras Nersissian.  He then served at the Kevorkian Seminary. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, then assigned him to serve as secretary in the foreign relations department of the Mother See.

On April 15th, 2007 at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin Fr. Hovel was ordained by His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian to the priesthood.

With the blessings of the Catholicos and at the request of His Eminence, on June 1st 2007 Fr. Hovel assumed his pastoral service in the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Fr. Hovel and Yeretsgin Anahid are blessed with a baby boy, Vazken.