The Diocese
Posted: 09/12/2025
The traditional two day Annual Spiritual Retreat of the Western Diocese, under the auspices of his Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, commenced with The Divine Liturgy on the morning of September 8, 2025, marking the Birthday of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The celebrant and homilist, at the hilltop chapel of the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, was Fr. Nzhdeh Keshishyan. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, in his address to the retreaters thanked Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian for his guidance and Fr. Krikor Zakaryan for his participation. He additionally acknowledged the efforts of the devoted women who serve on the Retreat Committee year after year.
He commended them for their continued commitment in coordinating the mission of providing spiritual nourishment: Lena Simonian, Chairlady, Meline Agagianian, Alice Skenderian, Lucy Tashjian, Linda Stepanian and Nune Torosyan.
The four outstanding seasoned speakers of the event focused on faith, trust, confidence and calm mindedness. They described “fear” as an undeniable, universal human condition which can also be imaginary at times. They reflected on Biblical wisdom, practical life experiences and metaphors.
Masis Zoboian:
“Fear of God & Faith in His Leadership”
Presented a comprehensive clarification of the Biblical “Fear of God” in PROVERBS by correlating it with “reverence, obedience and faith” in seeking wisdom from God; as opposed to dread and terror of God.
Diran Avagyan:
“Overcoming the Fear of Death”
Provided an anatomical explanation regarding the inception of the initial trauma and insecurity in human life, by the drastic detachment from the mother’s umbilical cord at the time of birth, and later attaining divine tranquility and peace through Jesus.
Fr. Krikor Zakaryan:
“Fear of the Future”
Focused on the nature of “fear” through Biblical documentation and life experiences, including the perception of fear as a cautious protective insight during danger.
Emphasizing the statement: “Fear does not have the last word”.
Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian:
“Overcoming Fear in Building a family”
Acknowledged fear as a threatening reality in building a new family in our present day environment. He compared old family traditional values with a touch of humor and encouraged family members to seek Biblical wisdom; practice patience, love and forgiveness.
Outdoor activities included:
Procession of the Cross
Sunrise Service (Arevalkal)
Bible Trivia games
The movie “I Believe” was also presented at night.
The event continued with remarks, overwhelming enthusiasm by the audience and numerous questions and answers.
Following the closing benediction the audience parted after reciting the Lord's Prayer in unison.
