The 98th Annual Diocesan Assembly convened on May 2, 2025 at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert under the presidency of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Guest clergymen from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, including the Very Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan, Director of the Museums and Archives of the Mother See and Very Rev. Fr. Andreas Yezekyan, Chair of the Academic Council of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary, were present at the Assembly.

During the opening session, the delegates stood and listened to the Patriarchal message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, addressed to the Assembly. In his letter, His Holiness conveyed his blessings and well wishes to Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the clergy, the Diocesan and Parish Councils, and the members of the Assembly.

The Catholicos praised the praiseworthy achievements of the Western Diocese in service to the Armenian faithful living in the United States and expressed satisfaction that through the devoted service of the clergy and the committed work of the laypeople involved in administrative bodies, Armenian communities on the western shores of the U.S. continue to flourish. New parishes are being founded, and many spiritual, educational, and cultural initiatives are being realized, thereby strengthening the Christian spirit and connection of the people to the Holy Church.

Referring to the challenges facing Armenia, His Holiness emphasized the necessity for unity rooted in love for the homeland and the Church, which has always been the guardian and transmitter of our faith, traditions, national identity, and a strong pillar for the development and empowerment of Armenian statehood.

In his blessing, the Catholicos expressed his high appreciation to Archbishop Derderian, the clergy, the Diocesan and Parish Councils, and the esteemed bodies of the Diocese’s educational and cultural institutions, wishing that God continue to shine His light upon the Western Diocese and grant abundant fruits in service to the nation and Church.

At the request of the Primate, the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, who reflected on the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people, delivered the day’s spiritual message. In recognition of his unwavering and invaluable contribution to the mission of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, Fr. Vazken Movsesian was honored as the Priest of the Year by the Diocesan Primate and was presented with an ornamental hand cross by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Following the reflection, elections were held for new members of the Diocesan Council, the Nominating Committee, and other relevant committees.

Afterward, Archbishop Derderian welcomed the clergy from the Mother See and delivered his message to the 98th Diocesan Assembly, held under the theme "Toward the Centennial: Acting with a New Vision." In preparation for the grand celebration of the Western Diocese’s centennial and in light of its ever-growing ministry, the Primate focused his message on eight core principles:

1. Elevate the level of spiritual life
2. Ensure the development of the Church’s mission through ongoing analysis
3. Adopt purposeful programs
4. Secure the Christian identity in both individual and collective life
5. Provide a new quality to pastoral life
6. Ensure the stability of parish communities
7. Strengthen the service of laity
8. Establish a strong youth ministry and define a long-term vision

His message called for a full Christian life and a deepening of faith awareness within the diocesan framework through professional approaches and targeted solutions. He emphasized that the mission of the Church must be constantly evaluated for measurable outcomes.

Archbishop Derderian called for a fundamental reassessment of past diocesan initiatives and a focus on purposeful programming. Speaking on Christian identity, he emphasized that it defines the purpose of life and transforms individuals and communities into authentic witnesses of the faith, reminding all that the Church is not a regular institution but a divine and spiritual one, as exemplified by the early Christian communities.

The Primate stressed the importance of close parishioner-priest dialogue and considered it effective and essential.

Focusing on parish stability, Archbishop Derderian called it the essential force behind productive diocesan activity and emphasized the need for spiritual, financial, and organizational stability, achieved through collective service, strengthened accountability, and consistent communication between the parishes and the Diocese.

He praised the involvement of lay leaders, stating that a healthy Church is one where laity actively participate in its mission. He urged the Western Diocese to invest in preparing future lay leaders and equipping them with religious formation, transitioning them from passive members to committed coworkers in Christ's vineyard.

Regarding youth, His Eminence stressed the importance of reorganizing and developing the youth department and forming a long-term vision, as spiritually mature, culturally rich, confident youth rooted in tradition are the guarantors of a thriving future Armenian Christian life.

Concluding his message, the Primate invited everyone to align the mission of the Diocese and its parishes with the SMART Goals framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based—approaching all diocesan programs with this strategy. He called on everyone to become visionary builders of a future-oriented Church that bridges the past, present, and future with the light of the faith of St. Gregory the Illuminator and the eternal vow of Holy Etchmiadzin.

In conclusion, Archbishop Derderian expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness Karekin II for his paternal support and encouragement toward the Diocese's broad mission. He also thanked the clergy, Assembly members, Parish Councils, and all affiliated bodies for their selfless dedication and service. Special thanks were extended to the Diocesan staff led by Executive Director Deacon Haroutioun Markarian.

During the one-day Assembly, open discussions were held on two key topics:

• “How can we transform Christian faith and our rich heritage into a living experience?”

Dn. Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian – Moderator - Director of Institutional Innovation – Western Diocese

Diran Avagyan – Panelist - Director of Program Management / Special Assignments – Western Diocese

Kim Bardakian – Panelist - St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland

Eric Nikssarian – Panelist - St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles

• “Faith beyond Sunday Liturgy: Using social media as a bridge back to the Church.”

Ara Yerganian – Moderator - St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino

Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash – Panelist – Pastor of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco

Dn. Anthony Abaci – Panelist - St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino

Alex Baghdjian – Panelist – Co-Founder, Funday

Reports were also presented by Diocesan Council Chair Vartan Nazerian and the Diocese’s Executive Director Deacon Harout Markarian.

The Assembly approved the 2026 Diocesan budget and held the following elections:

• Derik Ghookasian
• Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakian
• Aida Askejian
• Kim Bardakjian
• Yuri Akopyan
• Patrick Goshtigian
• Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan
• Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian
• Rev. Fr. Manoug Markarian
• Rev. Fr. Shnork Demirjian
• Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash
• Bedros Anserian
• Suzy Grigorians
• Dr. Artin Knajian
• Ara Yerganian

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Derderian thanked the Catholicos and the visiting clergy from the Mother See, expressed gratitude to the Diocesan clergy, Assembly members, Parish Councils, and all related bodies for their love, support, and service. He acknowledged the Assembly Chair and Vice Chair and offered special thanks to the host parish, St. Garabed Armenian Church of the Desert, to its pastor, Deacon Gevork Gevorkian, parish council members, and particularly to the Women’s Guild for their hospitality and service.

The Primate named Holy Apostles Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley as the Parish of the Year, and announced that St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno will host the 99^th Annual Diocesan Assembly in 2026.

The 98th Annual Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America concluded with a closing prayer by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.