Western Diocese

On Saturday March 24^th, 2007, the youth of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church and the Coptic and Syriac Dioceses gathered for a one day long spiritual retreat. The participants were leaders in their respective churches, and came to learn more about their fellow Oriental Orthodox Christians. In fellowship they prayed the Morning Service of the Armenian Church, the midday service of the Coptic Church and the Evening service of the Syriac Church. Bishop Serapion, Primate of the Coptic Diocese of Los Angeles made a presentation on the history of relations between the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the importance for the churches to be one in faith, one in sacraments, and one in Christ. The program concluded with a lengthy discussion regarding how to encourage the youth to participate in their faith. Representing the Western Diocese were Deacons Matthew Ash and Mkrtich Ksachikyan, Carina Karakashian, Chair of the ACYO Central Council, Annie Emirzian, Abraham Chilingaryan, and Mark Oganessian.