Coptic Orthodox Church Hosts Meeting Of The Council Of Oriental Orthodox Churches In The Western United States

The Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Western United States convened on Wednesday, October 21, at St. Mary and St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church in Northridge, California. The meeting was hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, participated in the gathering, accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, the Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita and Deacon Mikayel Margaryan.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the hierarchs and representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches to strengthen their bonds of fellowship, reaffirm their shared Christian witness, and discuss opportunities for greater cooperation in serving their faithful and the broader community.

The Council is committed to fostering solidarity among the Oriental Orthodox Churches, particularly through shared prayer and worship; mobilizing the Orthodox community to engage constructively with spiritual, political, moral, and social issues; and pooling common resources to advance the life and mission of the Orthodox community. Key areas of cooperation include youth gatherings, Sunday school curricula, and educational institutions.

The gathering reaffirmed the importance of unity, mutual support, and collaborative ministry among the Oriental Orthodox Churches as they work together to strengthen their communities and pass on the Christian faith to future generations.