“Stewardship Dinner On The Lawn”

More than 50 friends and supporters of the Diocesan Stewardship Program attended the fundraising reception at the Primate’s on Thursday, July 14, 2016. Among the clergy in attendance were His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Canadian Diocese and His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral and a graduate of the Stewardship Program.

In his welcoming remarks, the Primate thanked the honorable guests for their kind presence and steadfast support of the noble mission that is the Stewardship Program, calling it “one of the dearest missions at the Diocese.” “Since 2008, seven young priests, all graduates of the Program have taken on challenging roles of leading the flock of Christ,” continued Archbishop Derderian. His Eminence also expressed his wholehearted gratitude to Dr. Vahram Biricik for his unwavering leadership throughout the years and to each member of the Stewardship Committee for their loyal service firm belief in the noble mission of the Stewardship Program.

Stewardship Committee Chair Dr. Vahram Biricik reflected on the success of the Stewardship Program in recent years. Dr. Biricik noted that contributions to the Stewardship Program ensure the vivacity of the Western Diocese by preparing and training promising Priesthood-Candidates who would one day join the ranks of the fine clergymen of the Diocese.

The guest bishops were also invited to deliver their heartfelt remarks, each high-ranking clergyman noting the importance of preparing the new wave of devoted priests.
 
Guests enjoyed savory Mediterranean dishes in a pleasant open-air atmosphere.