Western Diocese Hosts 10Th Annual Ecumenical Service

The tenth annual ecumenical prayer service was held at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

An established Diocesan tradition, the ecumenical prayer service was established by the Primate shortly after the consecration of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in 2010. In accordance with tradition, the ecumenical prayer service honors institutions or individuals who have strengthened the community either through mission or individual achievements.

The Southern California Christian Forum Faith and Order Commission was honored by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America for their outstanding work toward the unity of the Christian Church.

Click here to read the Primate’s welcoming remarks 

Following the Primate’s welcoming remarks, the evening’s keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, former General Secretary Chairman of the National Council of Churches of Christ of the United States of America.

Click here to read Dr. Kinnamon’s address

During the evening, a special prayer was held for the soul of Mr. Levon Paronyan, the late father of Dr. Aramayis Paronyan, the Grand Benefactor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. 

The evening service was followed by a light reception organized by the Good Samaritans of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral whose mission is to provide support to needy families in the Diocese as well as in Armenia.

Earlier in the day, the Western Diocese welcomed members of the Faith and Order Commission of Southern California’s Christian Forum and Southern California’s Christian Forum for ecumenical fellowships and discussions. 

The Primate commended the Diocese’s Ecumenical Officer Mr. Hayk Madoyan for his years of dedicated service and contributions to the ecumenical life.