Western Diocese

In continuing the tradition, on August 17, 2010, the Primate presided over the Clergy Conference at the Headquarters Western Diocese.

Close to thirty of the Diocesan clergy and Priesthood-Candidates participated in the conference. For the first time ever, a collective prayer service was held inside the Cathedral of the Western Diocese. Following the prayer service, Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan delivered his message in which he stated the importance of tending to the spiritual needs of the faithful, especially the youth.

First Session

Following the prayer service, the clergy gathered in the Armen Hampar Room of the Western Diocese where the Primate discussed numerous important issues prior to the Pontifical visit and the consecration of the Cathedral.

In his meeting agenda, the Primate discussed the contents of his "Pastoral Letter" addressed to the Priests including issues related to pastoral and administrative duties. His Eminence then discussed the preparation efforts of the long-awaited Pontifical visit, the consecration rite of the St. Leon Cathedral and the Pontiff's daily schedule events were also on the agenda and were also discussed.   

The Primate happily informed that the Blessing and Dedication ceremony of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Rancho Mirage will take place on October 8, 2010. He added that the Armenian Church in Seattle will be completed in December 2010. The consecration will take place early 2011.

Second Session

During the second session of the Clergy Conference, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan held a detailed presentation aimed at strengthening the ties between the church and the community. The clergymen also discussed increasing the number of due-paying parishioners and scheduling regular Bible Study sessions in their respective Parishes.   

The Primate welcomed back Rev. Fr. Haroution Tachejian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of Ventura County. Fr. Tachejian had returned from France with his family and is continuing his pastoral duties.

The Diocesan Priesthood-Candidates including Dns. Hovnan Vardanyan, Matthew Ash, Mkrtich Ksachikyan, and Sarkis Alanjian were introduced during the clergy conference. Additionally, Dn. Razmig Sarkissian will be returning to Los Angeles to continue his education.

The Vicar General also talked about his soon-to-be published books which will include procedures of such religious rites as the Blessing of the Grapes, Home Blessing, and Blessing of the World (Antasdan Service). Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian will continue to pay visits to Parishes across the Western Diocese and will instruct the proper singing of the Armenian Liturgical Hymns to the Deacons.

In his closing remarks the Primate expressed his appreciation to the members of the clergy for their dedicated service in their respective Parishes. The Clergy Conference concluded with a prayer service inside the Cathedral.