Syriac Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar Visits Western Diocese

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, His Eminence Metropolitan Eugene Kaplan, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Western United States, paid a fraternal visit to the Headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America in Burbank. His Eminence was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.

During their cordial meeting, the two hierarchs reflected on the enduring bonds of fellowship shared by the Armenian Apostolic and Syriac Orthodox Churches as sister Oriental Orthodox Churches. Their discussion also focused on strengthening inter-church cooperation and upcoming ecumenical initiatives that foster Christian unity and mutual witness.

On behalf of the Syriac Orthodox community, Metropolitan Eugene extended a formal invitation to Archbishop Derderian to attend the welcoming reception for His Beatitude Mor Baselios Joseph, Catholicos of India, to be held at St. Mary's Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church on August 22–23, 2026. Archbishop Derderian graciously accepted the invitation and will participate in the Liturgy of the Evening Canonical Hours on Saturday, August 22.