Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Celebrant at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Celebrant at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin- Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

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Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Celebrant at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
Published - 10 July 2025

On July 6, 2025, under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Holy and Immortal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Descent of the Only-Begotten, located at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

In attendance at the solemn service were diocesan primates from Armenia and the Diaspora, members of the monastic clergy of the Mother See, youth pilgrims participating in the Pan-Armenian pilgrimage organized by the Armenian Church Youth Organisation (ACYO World), and numerous faithful from around the world.

In his homily, Archbishop Hovnan spoke on the virtue of humility as the foundation of spiritual life, emphasizing that the living and perfect example of humility is our Lord Jesus Christ, who walks with each of us on the path of spiritual growth.

“Dear sons and daughters of the Armenian nation,” the Archbishop said, “the Lord calls each of us to transfiguration. Let us pray that God may open the eyes of our soul—to see the truth, to recognize the sacred entrusted to us by the Lord.”

He encouraged the faithful to make prayer, unity, and the spirit of brotherhood essential elements of both their personal and collective lives.

Turning to the dedicated young people taking part in the pilgrimage, Archbishop Hovnan emphasized the profound importance of bringing together the sons and daughters of Armenia and the Diaspora around the spiritual heart of the nation—Holy Etchmiadzin.

“Holy Etchmiadzin inspires us to bow reverently before our sacred traditions. It opens before us the path to an enlightened life, giving new wings to our blossoming souls and aspirations—so that, today and always, it may unite Armenians around the world and become a lasting source of inspiration for our children and generations to come,” the Archbishop said, urging all to become bridges between Homeland and Diaspora with deep awareness of their calling.

Speaking on behalf of the pilgrimage participants, Archbishop Hovnan offered heartfelt filial love and deep gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians for establishing the World Youth Union of the Armenian Church and for his fatherly blessing and care.

In conclusion, Archbishop Hovnan exhorted the faithful and the youth to hold fast to our sacred heritage, to face challenges with unconditional love for one another, and—strengthened by the Homeland and Holy Etchmiadzin—to press forward, guided by the life-giving light.