Western Diocese

In order to revitalize and strengthen the ties between the vast regions of the Diocese, the Primate appointed three regional councils for the state of California. Furthermore, the members of these councils will serve two-year terms.

The Primate's Advisory Councils will hold two assemblies per year with the following agenda:

-          Support, promote and develop Diocesan initiatives and activities

-          Organize an annual meeting in each of the five Diocesan regions

-          Clergy Educational Program

-          On-going Diocesan Programs

-          The role of the Diocese in the Armenian Apostolic Church

-          Other pertinent issues

During his pastoral visit meeting to Fresno, the Primate presided over the first Central California Regional Advisory Council meeting. The members of the Central California Regional Advisory Council include Dn. Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian, Dn. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Ben Krikorian, Carolyn Mikaelian, and the Regional Vicar of Central California Rev. Archpriest Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Parish Priest of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Fowler.

The Northern California Regional Advisory Council members include Antranik Cingoz, Greg Tcherkoyan, Dn. Rod Jorjorian, Charles Tateosian, Ara Yerganian and the Regional Vicar of Northern California Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Parish Priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino.

The Southern California Regional Advisory Council members include Robert Barsam, Joseph Kanimian Esq., Armen Hampar, Alen Yaghdjian, Khajag Konialian and Jack Kalaydjian and the Regional Vicar of Southern California Rev. Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood.