The Diocese
Posted: 08/26/2026
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America held its annual Christian Educators’ Workshop at the Diocesan Headquarters under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and organized by the Diocesan Christian Education Council.
The workshop brought together clergy, Sunday School directors, teachers, assistants, and educators from across the Diocese for a day of reflection, learning, and fellowship. With Sunday Schools serving approximately 18 parishes and more than 220 dedicated teachers, the gathering reaffirmed the Diocese’s commitment to nurturing the faith and spiritual lives of a new generation.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Derderian expressed his deep appreciation for the church-centered service of clergy and educators, emphasizing their shared calling to bring children closer to Christ and His Church. Reflecting on the words “I become a disciple and follow” (Ashakertim yev hetevim) from the ordination rite of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Archbishop reminded participants that Christian education begins with their own ongoing discipleship.
“Before we can lead others to follow Christ, we must continually remain His disciples, learn from Him, and allow Christ to shape our hearts and minds,” His Eminence emphasized.
The Archbishop noted that Christian education extends far beyond teaching Scripture, prayers, and the traditions of the Armenian Church. Its deeper purpose, he said, is to lead children toward a living encounter with Christ and help them embody their faith in daily life. He particularly highlighted the vocation of teachers, describing them as “living witnesses of the Christian faith” whose words, example, prayer, and caring presence help shape the spiritual lives of children.
His Eminence also reminded educators that today’s Sunday School students are tomorrow’s parishioners, parents, teachers, leaders, and servants of the Church. While they may not remember every lesson, they will remember whether the Church was experienced as a place of love, belonging, prayer, and the living presence of Christ. He encouraged educators to make “I become a disciple and follow” a guiding principle of their ministry and to lead the younger generation toward God through their faith and example.
The educational program featured presentations by Dr. Ani Shahinian, who spoke on “Cultivating Spirituality: Forming Young Hearts and Minds in the Way of Christ,” and Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, who explored the role of contemporary communication and digital tools in Christian education and in sharing the Church’s spiritual message with today’s youth. Fr. Vazken was joined by Greg Beylerian, whose contribution will be presented in a separate article.
Archbishop Derderian expressed his gratitude to the presenters and to the members of the Christian Education Council, particularly Chairperson Zarouhi Der Mkrtichian, for their dedicated service and leadership. The Council continues to advance Sunday School curricula, teacher development, and educational resources throughout the Diocese.
The annual workshop reaffirmed the vital role of Christian educators in the life and mission of the Western Diocese. By equipping teachers with renewed knowledge, insight, and inspiration, the Diocese continues to strengthen the sacred ministry of forming young hearts in the faith, traditions, and enduring spiritual heritage of the Armenian Church.
