Hosted by St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert, the 73rd Annual Ladies Societies Assembly of the Western Diocese was convened under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on May 1, 2025.

Following the prayer led by His Eminence, spiritual reflections were delivered by the Very Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan, Director of the Museums and Archives of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Pastor of the St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Heartfelt remarks were delivered by the Chairlady of the Ladies Society Central Council Mrs. Aida Askejian, who thanked Archbishop Derderian for his pastoral care and encouragement throughout the years. The Chairlady expressed gratitude to all Central Council members and Ladies Societies chapters for their cooperation and collective accomplishments.

After roll call, His Eminence delivered a heartfelt address, warmly welcoming the participants with Christian love and blessings. He offered praise and thanks to Almighty God for safeguarding the Diocese through another year of successful programs that served both the Armenian nation and the Church. His Eminence emphasized the vital contributions of all the Ladies Societies throughout the Diocese, alongside the clergy and parish councils.

He compared the members of the Ladies Societies to the myrrh-bearing women who were the first witnesses to Christ’s Resurrection, reaffirming that their mission is to be witnesses of Christ in their communities.

“We have gathered at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert to highlight the accomplishments of the past year and emphasize your essential role within the parishes,” stated His Eminence. He affirmed that “all organizations operating under the auspices of the Diocesan Headquarters and parishes continue to conduct their work with a high sense of responsibility, discipline, coordination, and purposefulness.”

In his message, His Eminence greatly commended the Central Council of the Ladies Society under the leadership of Mrs. Aida Askejian. In recognition of her long-standing, dedicated, and fruitful service, she was awarded the Archbishop’s Award of the Western Diocese.

He extended appreciation to the Diocesan clergy, the assembly delegates, and the members of the Ladies Societies across all regions, calling on everyone to focus on strengthening Armenian identity and preserving faith. Emphasis was also placed on the spiritual revival of the youth and the mission of Armenian Christian education.

To better coordinate the work of the Ladies Societies at the Diocesan level, His Eminence recommended adherence to the directives of the Diocesan Headquarters, long-term innovative programs, and the mission, vision, and values outlined therein. The importance of pastoral visits and establishing Ladies Societies in mission parishes was also highlighted.

During the General Assembly, artistic presentations were delivered by Mrs. Arpi Krikorian on the topic of illustrated literature for youth and teens.

Dn. Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Director of Institutional Innovation, delivered a presentation themed: "Faith in Action – Innovating Parish Ladies Society."

Following the presentations, Mrs. Aida Askejian presented the activity report of the Ladies Society Central Council and all its chapters. The financial and audit reports were delivered by Council Treasurer Mrs. Aida Sethian. Elections were then held for new members of the Central Council.

In remembrance of departed members of the Ladies Society, a requiem prayer was offered.

The Assembly concluded with the closing remarks of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. He acknowledged the dedicated service of the outgoing Central Council and all branches of the Ladies Society, underscoring the necessity of focusing on Christian and Armenian education in the face of present challenges.

He congratulated the newly elected Central Council of the Ladies Society, wishing them a blessed and fruitful mission—to the glory of God, the radiance of the Armenian nation, and the enduring strength of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

The 73rd Annual General Assembly of the Ladies Society closed with a prayer by His Eminence and concluded with a group photo in the church courtyard. The Ladies Society Assembly was followed by the clergy conference.