The Diocese
Posted: 09/12/2025
From August 29 to September 1, the Christian Study Courses held its annual Spiritual Retreat, which in itself was a unique mission.
Forty-seven pilgrims, led by Mr. Hayk Madoyan, set out together on the morning of Friday, August 29, heading to the church-owned camp located near the world-renowned Sequoia National Park.
The Friday program included a visit to the Greek Orthodox Monastery in Dunlap, dedicated to the Mother of God. During the visit, one of the nuns welcomed the pilgrims, introduced the monastery’s history and its activities. The pilgrims attended their worship service. For many, it was their first time experiencing the lifestyle, discipline, and devotion of those living a monastic life.
Continuing their journey, the pilgrims visited Sequoia National Park. The group admired the nearly 3,000-year-old trees, among them the General Grant Tree, which is recognized as the Official Christmas Tree of the United States.
At the end of this full day, the group arrived at the camp in the evening, where they were warmly welcomed by the advance team that had arrived the day before, led by Mrs. Kaghtsrik Manukyan.
After settling in and having dinner, the group gathered to watch a specially chosen film dedicated to the life of Mother Teresa. The film left a deep impression on the viewers and became the subject of personal reflection and discussion.
On Saturday, August 30, after morning prayer and breakfast, the group began the lecture series under the theme: “Who is a Christian?” The opening lecture was delivered by the organizer of the retreat, Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Librarian and Ecumenical Officer of the Western Diocese.
The introductory lecture was followed by Dn. Sevan Palanjian, whose topic was “The Universal Church of Christ.” He presented the subject thoroughly and comprehensively, inviting the group into open discussion. The third lecture was delivered by Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Fowler, who spoke on the specific role of the Armenian Church within the Universal Church. After his presentation, the faithful met with the priest in private conversation, and later participated in a special evening service he conducted.
The day ended with dinner, after which the participants showcased their God-given talents, including traditional Armenian dances, national songs, recitations, and more.
On Sunday morning, the pilgrims traveled to participate in the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem. With the blessing of the parish pastor, Rev. Fr. Mashdots Keshishian, some of the group’s deacons served at the Holy Altar, while others joined the choir.
After partaking of the true Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the pilgrims joined a fellowship meal, during which they met members of St. Mary’s parish community. Fr. Mashdots shared the history of the parish and warmly answered questions. Mr. Hayk Madoyan, in turn, expressed gratitude, introducing the mission of the “Christian Study Courses” and the “Disciples’ Mission”. At the conclusion, a group photo was taken with the faithful before returning to the camp.
Following a short rest at camp, Hayk Madoyan delivered the fourth and final lecture, dedicated to the spiritual nourishment and means provided by the Armenian Church that are essential for the Christian’s spiritual growth and maturity.
Sunday ended with a special program designed to bring participants closer together and strengthen their sense of belonging to a spiritual family.
On Monday, September 1, Mr. Madoyan summarized the materials presented during the four lectures. There was also a private hour of spiritual reflection, during which all participants had the opportunity to share their acquired knowledge and invaluable spiritual experiences.
After lunch, the participants joined in cleaning the camp, then departed prayerfully toward St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank.
This retreat left an irreplaceable mark on all participants, giving them a renewed awareness of spiritual family and belonging. It offered four days of living, praying, and studying the true teachings of our Holy Church together, cooking meals side by side, enjoying each other’s presence, and ultimately seeing Christ in one another.
Thus, the Spiritual Retreat and Pilgrimage under the theme “Who is a Christian?”, by the mercy of God and with the blessing of our Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, was crowned with unprecedented success.
Chancellery of the Western Diocese
September 12, 2025
