Meeting Of The Three Primates Of The North American Dioceses

Hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and attended by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, and His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the meeting of the three Diocesan Primates of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America took place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

The meeting reaffirmed the close fraternal cooperation between the three dioceses and their primates in fostering the Christian education of our faithful and enhancing the spiritual and administrative services of the dioceses.

The meetings commenced with a prayer led by the three Primates, after which they deliberated on key agenda items.

A primary topic of discussion was the planning and details of the upcoming pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to the three North American dioceses in 2025-2026. Additionally, the high-ranking clergy discussed the forthcoming visit of His Beatitude Archbishop Sahak II Mashalian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, to the Eastern and Western Dioceses in 2025.

At the invitation of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian presented an in-depth report on the progress and future plans of the long-term Institutional Innovation program, implemented by the Western Diocese.

The Primates also focused on the Lay Ministry educational programs and new initiatives designed to train and equip lay members for active participation in the Church’s spiritual and educational mission.

The issue of clergy preparation was given particular attention. The meeting highlighted the unique role of St. Nersess Seminary, which operates under the sponsorship of the three North American dioceses, as well as the recruitment and spiritual-intellectual development of future clergy candidates.

Among other important topics, the agenda included discussions on summer camps, youth gatherings, and the invaluable contributions of affiliated organizations.

Christian education was also a key topic of discussion, covering past and ongoing initiatives such as Biblical studies, religious publications, and future projects. In addition to Sunday Schools, the critical mission of Saturday Schools was also underscored.

At the conclusion of the meetings, the three Diocesan Primates offered prayers, asking Almighty God to preserve the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Motherland. They prayed for the steadfastness of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the health and longevity of the Supreme Patriarch, and the continuity of the Armenian Church’s sacred mission, rooted in its centuries-old spiritual and cultural heritage.

Moving forward, these agenda items will remain key topics of discussion in future meetings, as the three North American dioceses continue their commitment to the Armenian Church’s bright future through a unified, organized, and steadfast approach.

Diocesan Chancellery
January 29, 2025