Lecture Dedicated To Archbishop Maghakia Ormanian Held At Western Diocese

At the initiative of Western Diocese Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the monumental work The Church of Armenia by Archbishop Maghakia Ormanian has recently been republished in English. Under the leadership of Archbishop Derderian, the Western Diocese has on numerous occasions highlighted the life and legacy of Archbishop Ormanian. On October 6, 2026 a special presentation marking the new publication was held at the Diocesan Headquarters. The republication of the book was made possible through the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Bedros and Anna Oruncakciel.

The program featured a lecture by Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Pastor of St. Apkar Armenian Church of Arizona, titled “I Have Kept the Faith,” dedicated to the life, ministry, and legacy of Archbishop Ormanian.

Fr. Zacharia offered a multifaceted examination of the renowned clergyman and scholar, portraying him as a churchman, leader, patriarch, intellectual, and diplomat who sought to protect and guide his flock through exceptionally challenging times. As the speaker noted, Archbishop Ormanian successfully navigated all of these demanding roles.

Those in attendance also reflected on various dimensions of Archbishop Ormanian’s life and legacy, emphasizing the continuing relevance of his contributions and the importance of ensuring that his work receives its rightful place and recognition within Armenian ecclesiastical and scholarly circles.